Improving Public Speaking: An English Speech Contest Case Study

This study explores how an English speech contest program integrates language learning over a 3-month non-regular course. Quantitative analyses were conducted, based on 5-minute video recordings of speeches with 6 participants for the final round of the speech contest program. Public Speaking (PS) courses were provided through the LMS and analyzed to identify speech improvement in various areas of public speaking anxiety (PSA) using a questionnaire, self-report, self-evaluation, and observation activity log. Based on the assessments noted above, the integration of language skills provides effective opportunities to speak. After taking a basic course and an in-depth coaching practicum, chunking-shadowing-windowing strategies had a positive effect on their PS skills strengthening their speaking progress. On the nonverbal side, students had a comparatively high level of PSA and did not feel engaged, or demonstrated a lack of confidence due to nonverbal communication skills they were unaccustomed to. However, participants felt less anxious, acquired the necessary techniques to boost confidence, and improved overall speech skills through participation in the program. Implications for better PS instruction and the importance of structured practice for speech preparation were suggested.