of three often used therapies (cognitive modification, systematic desensitization, and skills training), the authors reported that all three were found to successfully reduce public speaking anxiety, and that maximally successful treatment was observed for therapies that combined all treatment approaches.
While effective therapy is important, the question can be raised as to whether there is something which the educational system can do to handle this problem before the need for psychological therapy arises. In this regard, McKiernan (1984) has noted that:
Despite the fact that evidence indicates everyone may have some difficulty with communication in some circumstances, few colleges and universities appear to be doing much to help alleviate the problem. (p.1)
With respect to the failure of the educational system to release students from fears of public speaking, Katula (1987) feels that the problem begins before college. In particular he states that primary and high school educators have "forgotten how to teach oral communication." Further, he reports that while
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