ENHANCING PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS IN BASIC SCHOOL STUDENTS: A PATH TO IMPROVED COMMUNICATION, CONFIDENCE, AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Abstract

In today’s secondary education, developing students who can engage in continuous learning and gain essential skills for academic, personal, and professional success is crucial. Among these, public speaking is particularly vital due to its role in effective communication, confidence-building, and academic performance. This paper examines barriers to public speaking proficiency in high school students, with a focus on anxiety and fear, which heavily affect students' experiences.

Drawing from studies by Foster, Miller, Gainer (2014), Caballero-Morales, Borunda-Corral (2018), and Winsor (2013), the research identifies key challenges and opportunities in enhancing public speaking skills. Effective teaching strategies, such as individual/group presentations, feedback, and a supportive environment, are essential to mitigate these issues and improve proficiency. Additionally, integrating public speaking into the curriculum is shown to positively influence academic success, social interactions, and future career readiness.

Survey responses from students further reveal patterns in their perceptions and experiences with public speaking. Based on these findings, recommendations include comprehensive programs, supportive feedback, extracurricular opportunities, and teacher training to strengthen public speaking education. By implementing these, educators and policymakers can help students become effective communicators and future leaders.