Speaking Anxiety Research Articles

A Virtual Reality Approach to Overcome Glossophobia among University Students

In the contemporary academic landscape, university students frequently deliver presentations in front of their peers and faculty, often leading to heightened levels of Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA). This study explores the potential of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) to alleviate PSA among students. Our study introduces "Manch," a realistic VR environment that simulates classroom public speaking scenarios with lifelike audience interactions and a slide-deck presentation feature. The study was conducted with N=28 participants, showing a significant reduction in PSA levels post-VR exposure, thereby establishing VR's efficacy in mitigating PSA. Additionally, we also incorporated a unique qualitative analysis through participant interviews, offering deeper insights into individual experiences with VRET. Manch shows great promise as a tool for future studies and interventions aimed at reducing PSA, particularly among university students.

Aptitude, Anxiety, and Success in L2 Speech Development: A Longitudinal Study of Chinese EFL College-Level Learners.

This study examined the second language (L2) speech development of a group of Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) college-level learners (N = 83) and the association between their aptitude, anxiety, and L2 speech development. The performance of the participants' L2 speech, including speech comprehensibility and accentedness, was evaluated using a sentence reading task and a pair of picture description tasks (pre- and post-test). In addition, students completed the LLAMA tests (language learning and aptitude measurement in adults) and the Second Language Speaking Anxiety Scale (SLSAS). The t-test revealed that after one semester of English speaking and pronunciation instruction, the EFL students in the study demonstrated significant gains in their L2 speech performance in terms of accentedness and comprehensibility in both controlled and impromptu tasks. Regression analyses revealed that phonemic coding ability positively predicted gains in comprehensibility but negatively predicted gains in accentedness during sentence reading. In addition, associative memory was positively associated with comprehensibility gains in the picture description task. Anxiety appeared to be a strong predictor of participants' gains in speech comprehensibility and accentedness during the picture description task.

The impact of Philosophy for Children (P4C) activities on enhancing the speaking skills of gifted students

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Philosophy for Children (P4C) activities integrated into Turkish lessons on the speaking skills of gifted students. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through interviews and various scales, employing a mixed-method design. The results indicated that students had positive feelings about P4C, including appreciation, curiosity, surprise, excitement, self-confidence, and empathy. They believed that P4C enhanced their problem-solving, creativity, questioning, effective speaking, and collaboration skills. However, some students also expressed negative views, tough less frequently, citing issues such as nonsense, limited time, the necessity of prior knowledge, and lack of idea diversification. Quantitative data revealed that P4C activities significantly improved the speaking skills of gifted students and notably reduced their speaking anxiety. Additionally, sex and program variables showed no significant effect on speaking skills and speaking anxiety.

AI-CiciBot as Conversational Partners in EFL Education, focusing on Intelligent Technology Adoption (ITA) to Mollify Speaking Anxiety

This study examines the role of AI-CiciBot as a conversational partner in mitigating speaking anxiety among Indonesian EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students. The aim is to explore the integration of intelligent technology adoption (ITA) into classrooms to enhance language learning and reduce anxiety during speaking activities. The primary gap addressed in this research is the lack of technology-based solutions for oral language practice in Indonesia, where traditional curricula emphasize reading and writing over speaking. This study aims to fill the gap by introducing AI-CiciBot, a novel AI-powered conversational tool that provides a supportive, low-pressure environment for students to practice speaking English. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from pre-test and post-test scores and qualitative insights from student interviews. The research tools include a questionnaire and an AI-CiciBot platform for speaking practice. IBM SPSS Statistics analyzed the data, focusing on students' speaking performance and anxiety levels before and after using AI-CiciBot. Findings in this study show a significant improvement in students' speaking skills and a reduction in anxiety. The mean score for pre-tests was 49.17, which increased to 90.47 in post-tests, indicating AI-CiciBot's effectiveness. Interviews revealed that students initially hesitant to engage in speaking activities due to fear of judgment became more confident and willing to participate after practicing with the AI bot. This study contributes to the field of EFL education by demonstrating the potential of AI-driven tools like AI-CiciBot to address speaking anxiety and improve oral proficiency. It also highlights the importance of ITA in encouraging students to embrace AI-based learning solutions. To maximize learning outcomes, future research should investigate the long-term impact of AI-CiciBot on students' speaking proficiency and its integration with human instructors.

Public speaking woes of academic leaders: resources and alternative ways to improve speaking with audience

Public speaking skills are essential for academic leaders because of the nature of their roles and responsibilities within educational institutions. As leaders, they often serve as spokespersons for their departments or institutions, representing their vision, goals, and achievements to various stakeholders, including students, faculty, administrators, and external partners. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of academic leaders who experience public speaking woes. This study explored their professional resources and alternative strategies to cope with public speaking anxiety. Purposive sampling (n=20) was carried out to sample the Filipino academic leaders from the basic education and higher education institutions (HEIs). The findings highlighted the importance of targeted support and resources, such as professional development workshops and a supportive learning environment, in enhancing their public speaking skills and confidence. The adoption of coping mechanisms, including regular practice and exposure to different speaking opportunities, emerged as crucial strategies for academic leaders to manage their public speaking woes effectively. These findings underscored the need for ongoing training and support initiatives to empower academic leaders in their roles and cultivate an environment conducive to their professional growth and development.

The Impact of Integrating Gamification Strategies Into Courses on Students' English Speaking Anxiety

Before speaking a foreign language, people will always spend more time and think more than they do about their native language. Such “more” has been defined as foreign language learning anxiety since the work of Horwitz et al. in 1986. Gamification teaching is one of the potential teaching methods that have been found by many educators to benefit learners, in terms of both learning motivation and self-confidence. In this study, the group activities were integrated into the fifth-grade English curriculum of Taiwan's elementary school to explore the correlation between students' English-speaking anxiety and English-speaking performance; through an empirically experimental test, it was found that the experimental group's English speaking effectiveness and English anxiety showed a significant negative correlation, but there was no significant correlation in the control group. The interview records showed that students enjoyed the learning method of integrating English into group activities because not only was it easy and enjoyable, but it also enabled them to learn while playing and interacting with peers.

The Effect of Flipped Classroom Model on Turkish as a Foreign Language Learners' Speaking Anxiety and Speaking Skill Achievement

The Effect of Flipped Classroom Model on Turkish as a Foreign Language Learners' Speaking Anxiety and Speaking Skill Achievement

교육적 의사소통을 통한 말하기 불안 해소 방향 연구

The purpose of this study is to consider the causes of the problem that students have accumulated speaking experience in the classroom and the symptoms of speaking anxiety intensify even if they go up in grade, and to find educational communication direction for resolving speaking anxiety. In chapter 2, explains the causes and types of speaking anxiety, limitations of the solution currently proposed. Chapter 3 proposes educational communication methods to activate communication in the classroom. First, in terms of communication attitudes, the contents suggest an empathetic communication method through Herman Hesse’s novel Siddhartha. Second, in terms of communication purposes, the contents suggest a communication behavior that aims for mutual understanding among classroom members through Habermas’s communication theory. Third, in terms of communication methods, the contents suggest using a type of group communication to solve common problems.

Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety in Turkish EFL Context: Towards an In-Depth Clarification

Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety in Turkish EFL Context: Towards an In-Depth Clarification

A Multidimensional Assessment of Malaysian Polytechnic Students' Communication Apprehension in Oral Presentations

Focusing on situation, audience, context, and trait-based factors, this study examined the multidimensional aspects of Malaysian polytechnic students' communication apprehension during oral presentations. A total of 116 engineering and business diploma students enrolled in an English communication course at a polytechnic in Sarawak were selected to participate in a survey based on McCroskey's (1984) Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety (PRPSA). The results revealed that situation and audience-based communication apprehension in oral presentations were more prevalent than context and trait-based communication apprehension, indicating the significant influence of the communicative environment and audience dynamics on students' speech anxiety. Hence, the need for targeted pedagogical strategies by educators and administrators to alleviate students' communication apprehension and specific training programmes simulating various speaking scenarios and audiences is pivotal.

Causes and Consequences of Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety among Chinese College Students

Speaking anxiety is the most prominent and common phenomenon in the process of foreign language learning. As one of the important affective factors, anxiety has a pivotal influence on students' motivation promotion, effect absorption, and the establishment of the thinking-acting pool in foreign language learning. In this article, we will try to analyse the causes of foreign language speaking anxiety among Chinese university students from the comprehensive perspectives of individual students, family expectations, educational resources, and domestic and international environments, and shed light on the related problems it leads to.

Overcoming English Speaking Anxiety: Challenges Faced by University Students in Rajasthan

Overcoming English Speaking Anxiety: Challenges Faced by University Students in Rajasthan

Stage Fright to Scholarly Flight: The Impact of Public Speaking Anxiety and Fear of Negative Evaluation on Academic Performance in University Students

Stage Fright to Scholarly Flight: The Impact of Public Speaking Anxiety and Fear of Negative Evaluation on Academic Performance in University Students

Survey on English Speaking Anxiety of English Majors and Analysis of Teaching Countermeasures

This study examines the anxiety encountered by English major students during English speaking practice and explores effective pedagogical strategies to address it. A questionnaire survey was conducted among first-year English major students at a university in Chengdu, Sichuan, and data analysis was performed using SPSS 28.0 to evaluate the students' self-efficacy in English speaking. Findings indicate that a majority of students experience moderate levels of anxiety in spoken English expression, primarily due to fear of errors, non-conformity to language contexts, and self-imposed pressure. Such anxiety negatively impacts learning outcomes, manifesting as diminished confidence and interest. To counter these issues, a range of pedagogical strategies are suggested, including the transformation of teaching philosophies, enhancement of instructional methods, guidance for students in embracing mistakes as part of the learning process, and support in adjusting learning expectations. The study highlights the importance of creating a supportive classroom environment through active student participation and cooperative learning to alleviate anxiety. Additionally, timely feedback from educators is emphasized to foster students' confidence and a sense of accomplishment. The conclusion suggests that the implementation of targeted teaching strategies can significantly mitigate students' anxiety in English speaking and enhance their proficiency. This research offers actionable insights for improving English speaking instruction, with the potential to boost students' learning efficiency and motivation(Liu, M., & Xiangming, L., 2019).

Factor Structure and Reliability of the Lithuanian Version of the Public Speaking Anxiety Scale

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is especially prevalent among young individuals aged 18–25 and significantly affects daily social activities and interpersonal relationships. Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA), a subtype of SAD, is a widespread concern that affects one in five individuals. The study focuses on the Public Speaking Anxiety Scale (PSAS), with the aim of assessing the factor structure and reliability of the Lithuanian version (PSAS-LT). The PSAS-LT, administered to 227 participants aged 18–25, comprises 17 Likert-scaled items, evaluating cognitive, behavioral, and physiological aspects of PSA. Three models were tested: a single-factor model, a three-factor model and a single factor model with positive and negative item wording factors model. Results indicate less than desirable fit for the single, and three-factor models, suggesting the need for alternative structures. The model that included a single factor as well as positive and negative item wording factors demonstrated a reasonably good fit. The diagnostic validity confirmed that the PSAS-LT effectively differentiated between participants with and without history of anxiety disorders. The total score of the PSAS-LT had excellent internal consistency. Despite limitations, including convenience sampling and nonrepresentative sample, the study contributes valuable insights into refining the understanding of PSA assessment features, emphasizing the importance of considering response patterns. Future research should validate these findings with larger and more diverse samples of the Lithuanian population.

Virtual Reality as a Tool for Public Speaking Training: Assessing Efficacy and Engagement

This study investigates the efficacy and engagement of virtual reality (VR) as a tool for public speaking training. The primary objective is to qualitatively analyze the literature to understand how VR technology can enhance public speaking skills and increase user engagement compared to traditional training methods. The research employs a qualitative literature review methodology, synthesizing findings from academic articles, industry reports, case studies, and empirical studies to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in this field. The literature review methodology involves systematically collecting and analyzing scholarly sources that explore various aspects of VR in public speaking training. The study categorizes the literature into key themes, such as the effectiveness of VR in simulating real-life speaking scenarios, the psychological benefits of using VR for reducing anxiety, and the levels of user engagement and motivation in VR-based training programs. Thematic analysis is used to identify patterns and trends in how VR influences public speaking proficiency and participant engagement. The findings indicate that VR offers a highly immersive and interactive environment that can closely mimic real-life public speaking situations, providing users with valuable practice opportunities. Studies show that VR can significantly reduce public speaking anxiety by allowing users to repeatedly practice in a controlled, virtual setting. Additionally, VR-based training programs are found to be more engaging and motivating for users, leading to higher levels of participation and improved learning outcomes.

Virtual reality exposure therapy for reducing students’ public speaking anxiety: A systematic review

Virtual reality exposure therapy for reducing students’ public speaking anxiety: A systematic review

The impact of audience dynamics on public speaking anxiety in virtual scenarios: An online survey

BackgroundPublic speaking is one of the most commonly feared situations reported in both community and university samples. Despite extensive theoretical models and empirical studies aimed at delineating the underlying factors of Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA), the specific variables contributing to its onset remain incompletely characterised. MethodsThe research involved 297 participants from an AmazonTurk survey, engaging with virtual public speaking scenarios differentiated by audience size, engagement levels, and room spatial dimensions. Participants' anticipated anxiety levels were quantitatively assessed across these scenarios, enabling a comprehensive exploration of the interaction between situational variables and PSA, thereby providing a framework to explore the influence of audience size, engagement, and spatial dimensions on PSA. ResultsThe mixed-effect model revealed a significant interaction among audience size, audience engagement, and room spatial dimensions. Further analyses using principal axis factoring and multiple regression identified three main factors: F1 (Engagement in a Large Audience), F2 (Confinement or Evaluation Anxiety), and F3 (Audience Disengagement). These factors significantly predict PSA scores. ConclusionsThis study reveals that PSA is influenced by a complex interplay of audience size, room dimensions, and audience engagement. The finding underscores the viable way to incorporate these situational variables in both empirical investigations and therapeutic interventions. Specifically, it introduces a novel framework for standardising audience size relative to room capacity.

The Post-Pandemic Reflection on Students’ Speaking Anxiety: A Case in Higher Education

This research aims to find out students' perspectives and reflection regarding speaking skills in higher education. This research was conducted by involving 33 students from the batch of 2020 and 2021 in one of private universities in Batam. A case study design was employed by applying questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect the data. This research found that there were three categories which were the factors contributing to students' speaking anxiety in post-pandemic era. Those factors were communication apprehension, fear of negative evaluation, and test anxiety. In addition, to overcome their speaking anxiety, they used the methods of self-communication, self-healing, restarting the speech, and switching the language, while also learning and practicing in their effort to overcome their speaking anxiety. It is crucial to note that environment is also one of factors that affects students’ motivation in speaking skills. Hence, the lecturers hopefully can choose appropriate strategies to enhance students’ speaking skills, manage classroom environment well, and give positive reinforcement to students.

STUDYING ENGLISH SPEAKING ANXIETY AMONG MALE AND FEMALE STUDENTS OF BAMYAN UNIVERSITY

Anxiety is the condition in which an individual feels unpleasant and it imbeds tension, apprehension, and worries. Speaking anxiety is a type of anxiety that affects the process of speaking or oral performance. Regarding speaking, numerous studies have been conducted to find some anxiety-provoking factors. Afghanistan is a country where English is taught as a foreign language. Similar to other ESL/EFL contexts, Afghanistan EFL learners face various challenges such as being worried, losing self-confidence, communication apprehension, fear of being evaluated by others, etc when they speak in English. The purposes of this study are to find out the speaking anxiety-provoking factors and the differences between male and female speaking anxiety levels. Horwitz, Horwitz and Cope (1986) FLCAS (Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale) and interview questions are used for data collection. The respondents of the study are 15 male and 15 female students who are randomly selected at Bamyan University, Afghanistan. Besides, 4 male and 4 female students were interviewed. As a result, the study found some speaking anxiety factors such as fear of negative evaluation, lack of linguistics capacity, communication apprehension, lack of preparation and some other factors. This study also highlighted that female students have more speaking anxiety than male students at Bamyan University in Afghanistan.