Training Public Speaking and Presentation Skills for Rural Students on Online Platform: An Experimental Study

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Purpose: This training programme aimed to improve the public speaking and presentation skills of the rural students. This experimental study sought to enhance the speaking skills and learning outcome of the students by bringing training modules, students and technology together. This paper highlights the challenges and findings of training rural students on “Public Speaking and Presentation Skills” and suggests some better ways for effective language teaching on online platform. Methodology/Approach/Design: The study is of an experimental design. The sample for the experimental study was chosen based on the requirements and interests of the learners. Entry level proficiency test and exit test were conducted for the participants of the training programme. The performances of the target students were video recorded and analysed. Comparison was made to assess the level of improvement found in the target group. Results: When students were taught the twenty strategies for public speaking, each learner came forward to present their speech but few students faced network issue which made their presentation not to sound good. During the exit test it is seen that there is a slight increase in the performance of the learners. In order to assure quality in E- learning platform there is a need for flexibility on the side of both learner and teacher. Practical Implications: The study presents practical implications for teachers. The results of the study might be of use for handling speaking lessons for students of rural areas. Originality/Value: From the trainers’ perspective, remote learning or virtual learning has become the current educational ultimatum. Teachers should be flexible to adapt virtual classroom than clinging on to the outdated methods used in a physical or traditional classroom.