A STUDY ON THE CHALLENGES EFL STUDENTS FACED WITH IN PUBLIC SPEAKING AND THE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the factors that limit the public speaking ability of English major students and propose practical solutions for improvement at a Vietnamese university. As stated by Van Emden & Becker (2004), good presentation skills provide learners with abilities and qualities that are highly valued in the labor market such as critical thinking, management skills, leadership skills and professional communication skills. In order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem with in-depth personal viewpoints, the study utilized two primary instruments: a structured questionnaire with 141 participants and semi-structured interviews with 10 participants. The results have revealed the multifaceted challenges faced by EFL students in public speaking which are related to preparation and experience,  presentation of physical, visual and story messages, and other external factors such as classroom environment, teaching methods and peer pressure. Based on the findings, proposed solutions, such as structured practice, targeted workshops, and supportive tools, are believed to significantly enhance learners' public speaking proficiency. Although the study is limited due to its sample size and time constraint, it suggests avenues for future research, including longitudinal studies with observations and self-reported instruments to assess how sustained use of technology-based platforms influences public speaking performance for months or years.