The Telepsychotherapy Unit from the Université de Moncton would like to invite you to participate in a study involving a program, Meet Your Public,  developed to better cope with fear of public speaking. This FREE program is offered via the Internet and seeks to help people with the fear of public speaking, whether it be work or school related.

Many people fear public speaking to an extent where it becomes problematic. However, few consult for help or have access to treatment. Meet Your Public was developed in the hope of helping people feel more at ease during presentations and limit the negative impact their fear can have on their lives.

What does the study involve?

The study involves a 6-week program on managing the fear of public speaking and a 3- month follow-up. The program includes:

• 1 information session about anxiety and the fear of public speaking followed by a phone call from the study coordinator to offer instructions
• 5 writing sessions to facilitate the management of the fear
• Weekly automated emails offering instructions, reminders, and support as well as an email from the study coordinator mid-treatment to check to provide further guidance
• Brief online questionnaires to be completed to evaluate the program’s impact

Meet Your Public is based on principals used in therapy to manage fear and anxiety. It is not necessary to have specific writing skills to participate in the program. The program is available in French and English. No traveling or appointments to a clinic are necessary.

Who is the study suitable for?

• Adults aged 18 and over
• Residing in New Brunswick
• With the fear of public speaking
• Who are interested in learning new skills to manage this fear
• Who are willing to spend at least 30 minutes per week as part of the study and share some personal information

Unfortunately, we cannot include individuals who do not reside in New Brunswick or who do not have access to the Internet or who are in a crisis. If you are feeling suicidal or in a crisis, or if you need immediate help, please contact your family doctor by using the CHIMO crisis line (1-800-667-5005) or call 9-1-1.You can also visit your nearest emergency room, or you can follow the emergency instructions provided by your doctor, mental health professional or care team.
We also cannot accept applications from anyone who is currently receiving therapy or who have started medication for anxiety or depression or if there has been a change in dosage in the past month.

Who is conducting the study?

Alex-Anne Lamoureux, a graduate student at the School of psychology from the Université de Moncton (research coordinator; 506-858-4000, ext. 4406; email: info@etherapies.ca), under the supervision of the professor and psychologist France Talbot ((phone : 506-858-4000, ext. 4200; email : france.talbot@umoncton.ca). If you wish to participate and would like more information, please consult the following website: www.etherapies.ca. Click on “Apply now” under “Study to manage fear of public speaking”. You may also communicate with us at all times.