Exploring public speaking anxiety and personal disposition in EFL presentations

Abstract

Personality traits and anxiety have been acknowledged for their influence in foreign language (FL) learning situations. Moreover, research recognizes the role of personality characteristics in determining an individual's propensity towards feelings of anxiety. However, relatively few studies investigate associations between personality and anxiety in English as foreign language (EFL) settings, particularly with regard to delivering presentations. This research reports on the associations between personality traits measured via the Big Five Inventory (BFI) and perceived anxiety related to delivering presentations assessed by the Personal Report on Public Speaking (PRPSA). Exploratory factor analysis identified four public speaking anxiety factors: Positive mindset, Physical symptoms, Preparation anxiety and Performance anxiety. Employing these factors as dependent variables in multiple regression equations with personality traits as explanatory variables showed that personality variables Extraversion, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness and Openness to experience were all significant predictors of public speaking anxiety − explaining 10 to 23% of the variance − contingent upon which factor was employed as the dependent variable. Personality variables were then entered into hierarchical regressions while controlling for English ability and the amount of variance explained ranged from 16 to 32%. Avenues through which this research advances our understanding and knowledge of language learning are discussed.