Public Speaking Apprehension-Challenges and Remedies
Author : Dr. G Meena
Abstract :
Public speaking is one of the most sought after language activities that students seek in their careers. The ability to speak well has many advantages. It gives students a sense of self-confidence, motivation, courage, and contentment. When students speak well in their allotted time, they feel a sense of self-worth. However, what is actually witnessed by teachers is that students shun from public speaking. If there is one activity they would prefer to avoid or not be called onto the dais, it is public speaking. Public speaking puts pressure on the students to speak. It is an act of individual performance subject to the perception of 60 students in the classroom. Apprehensive of what the teacher thinks, what the classmates think of them, students simply hesitate to seize the opportunity to speak. Here is where the role of the teacher is so critical and monumental. Teachers have to play the role of a motivator and a facilitator in encouraging the students to take up public speaking because it has many benefits. They can motivate the students by giving the outline of what public speaking performance comprises, and what points can be discussed as part of their topic, and the verbal and nonverbal mechanisms inherent in public speaking. If our students are motivated positively for their efforts, then surely public speaking becomes an activity that students will thoroughly enjoy and excel in since this activity determines their career success to a considerable extent.
Keywords :
Public speaking, practice, motivation, skill, preparation, self-efficacy
