Public speaking anxiety in English oral presentations for assessment among EFL students at FPT University

Abstract

Public speaking anxiety is a pervasive challenge faced by individuals across various academic and professional domains, and its impact on performance, particularly in English oral presentations for assessment, remains a critical concern. This research paper delved into the multifaceted dimensions of public speaking anxiety within the context of English oral presentations, aiming to provide a nuanced understanding of the factors contributing to anxiety, its manifestations, and potential mitigating strategies. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to gather data from FPT University students engaged in English oral presentations for assessment. The quantitative survey involved 102 students to measure the prevalence and intensity of public speaking anxiety, identifying demographic and contextual variables that may exacerbate its effects. Concurrently, qualitative interviews offered insights into the subjective experiences of anxiety, shedding light on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects that influenced performance. The results revealed that a majority of participants reported that they often faced anxiety in performing English oral presentations for assessment and the factors contributed to causing it. Some coping strategies that might help lessen public speaking anxiety were also suggested in this research