Effects of types of cognitions on performance in oral briefings

An empirical study was conducted to determine whether individuals' interpretations of oral briefing situations create functional mind sets or dysfunctional anxiety that impact performance, and to determine what implications such interpretations have for the training of Logistics Officers. Functional mind sets were measured using a variation of the Stress Resiliency Profile. Communications Apprehension (anxiety) was measured using variations of the 'Personal Report of Communication Apprehension.' Significant correlations were found between interpretive styles and communications apprehension, and between communications apprehension and performance. These relationships have positive implications for the identification and training of logistics officers who have potential for experiencing difficulties in conducting oral briefings.