Join Our Improv Study on Public Speaking Anxiety
This study is designed for:
• Adults with mild to moderate public speaking anxiety
• Those interested in a free, 11-week trial of improv
• Individuals who want to explore building confidence in a safe space
• People ready to help advance research through new experiences
Why Participate?
Free 11 week improv class with experienced instructor
Studies suggest improv classes may provide indirect benefits including:
• Increased creativity
• Increased tolerance of uncertainty
• Improved social skills
• Improved cognitive flexibility
• Improved self-esteem
• Strengthened social connections
• Fun and relaxation
While there may not be any direct benefit to you, including any reduction in your public speaking anxiety, results from this study may help us learn about the impact of improv on PSA and may benefit others in the future.
Who This Study is For
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Adults with mild to moderate public speaking anxiety
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Able to attend weekly in-person improv sessions in Calgary, Alberta
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Comfortable participating in tests and interviews before and after the 11 week course runs
The study will be a qualitative study.
It will focus on participants' lived experiences through journaling and interviews. Participant feedback will be explored in context through several other collection strategies: self-report surveys, observations, field notes, and two optional opportunities for participants to deliver a short speech. Participation in all aspects of the study will be fully in the control of the participants, and they will be free to choose which aspects of the testing they wish to participate in.
Hands-on, improv-based intervention
The intervention will be an 11-week improv course beginning in late September 2026. The emphasis will be on creating a safe space where participants can comfortably step outside of their comfort zone in a safe, judgment-free environment. Participation in all exercises and discussions is in the control of the participant, and they can freely opt out of any exercise or game.
Analytical framework and reflective participant engagement.
Although the sample size will be too small to justify statistical analysis, we will review the data collected through questionnaires and speeches to see if they suggest any changes to the participants' level of PSA. These responses will be explored during the interviews. As part of the qualitative data, students will have the opportunity through journalling to reflectively explore their attitudes toward public speaking. Additionally, there will be interviews conducted prior to the course beginning and after the final class. The participants' own perception of any changes to their PSA will be the most significant part of the study.
Study Details
Join the Study
Apply to join our 11-week improv study on public speaking anxiety.
• Free 11-week improv course led by experienced instructors
• For adults with mild to moderate public speaking anxiety
• Confidential, university-approved research study
Research Ethics Board Approval - REB 2026-144
Please fill out your details below so we can see if the study is a good fit for you.