Public Speaking Instruction: Abridge to Improve English Speaking Competence and Reducing Communication Apprehension

Abstract

Public Speaking Instruction: Abridge to Improve English Speaking Competence and Reducing Communication Apprehension Nasser Omer M. Al-Tamimi Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of public speaking instruction on improving students’ communicative competence and reducing their communication apprehension in a foreign language setting. Participants in this study were 60 Yemeni English majors at the college of education of the Hadhramout University, Yemen. Objectives and research questions focused on determining whether public speaking instruction makes a difference for students who receive instruction as opposed to students who do not on two concepts: public speech performance and communication apprehension in speaking English. Results of the study illustrate that learners' public speech performance improved and low communication apprehension was shown after one term of instruction and practice of public speaking in favour of the experimental group. In line with previous research, the current study confirms that public speaking instruction has a positive effect on improving students' public speech performance and reducing communication apprehension of English language learners. The study also provides insightful perspective into second language pedagogy and presents suggestions for future research. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/ijlc.v2n4a4