مجلة الآداب و العلوم الإجتماعية
Volume 22, Numéro 2, Pages 154-171
2025-12-29

Exploring Challenges And Solutions In Enhancing Public Speaking Skills Among English Learners: A Focus On Anxiety, Preparation, And Expert Observation



Authors : Belkhodja Ibtissem . Bouazid Tayeb .

Abstract

Public speaking is a crucial skill in language learning that fosters communication, confidence, and critical thinking. However, for EFL learners, especially beginners, speaking before an audience presents significant linguistic and psychological challenges. This study investigated the perceptions and difficulties encountered by A2-level English learners at "B" private school in Setif, Algeria, in developing public speaking skills. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 13 learners through structured questionnaires and follow-up interviews. Results revealed that despite perceiving their English proficiency as average, most participants experienced significant anxiety and felt unprepared for public speaking, with 76.9% reporting anxiety when confronted with presentation tasks. The primary challenges identified included fear of negative evaluation, limited vocabulary, ineffective use of verbal and non-verbal communication, and poor time management. Participants attributed these difficulties primarily to insufficient practice (30.8%) and inadequate preparation (26.9%). Statistical analysis revealed strong negative correlations between anxiety and speaking confidence (r = -0.73, p < 0.01) and between perceived difficulty and confidence (r = -0.68, p < 0.01). Although 92.3% of participants were unfamiliar with professional speaking platforms like TED Talks, all unanimously agreed that observing expert speakers could enhance their development. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive pedagogical approaches that integrate anxiety-reduction strategies, structured practice opportunities, and exposure to authentic speaking models to develop confident, effective communicators in EFL contexts.

Keywords

Public speaking, anxiety, EFL learners, TED Talks, observational learning.

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