This paper focuses on the use of emotional memory skills to reduce communication apprehension, pioneered as a new cognitive intervention treatment called "The Imaging System for Public Speaking" (Keaten et al, 1994). The paper briefly explains other cognitive intervention strategies commonly used, including rational-emotive therapy, visualization, alternative or performance visualization, and cognitive restructuring, noting that the new technique uses methodology similar to the latter, which offers speakers a tangible skill to use while performing their speeches. The paper states that this new emotional memory technique incorporates the use of individuals' significant memories to enhance their speeches and redirects speakers away from irrational thoughts by focusing on appropriate mental images. The paper outlines the components of a 2-day workshop in which the technique was taught at the University of Northern Colorado in 1994, including the three phases: the image preparation process; the image recall procedure; and the speech application process. The paper discusses a small scale qualitative investigation undertaken by offering the workshop to undergraduate students, and gives the results in three case studies. The paper concludes that the technique appeared to reduce communication apprehension and improve delivery of public speeches and suggests that further quantitative testing is necessary to verify the effectiveness of the technique. (Contains 24 references.) (CR)