Briefly explain Berger's uncertainty reduction theory. What are the 4 ways in which Berger

says people search for information? What are some ways you can apply this theory when giving
a speech in your classroom?

What will be an ideal response?

This theory holds that we improve communication by being able to predict the actions
and behaviors of others, and we become uncomfortable or anxious when we cannot make these
predictions. To reduce uncertainty, we can gather information about another person through
passive observation of that person communicating with others, through passive observation of
the person in a different setting, through active but indirect search for information, and through
active interaction with the person. Practical applications include arriving early to interact with
audience members, giving an introduction that clearly states the presentation's purpose and
content, communicating attraction and affiliation; getting an introduction from someone the
audience likes, beginning the presentation with strong nonverbal expressions of attraction, and
using information about and names of audience members in your speech in order to build
affiliation.