Challenges in Public Speaking Encountered by English Language Learners and Strategies for their Mitigation

Public speaking constitutes an essential skill for students, yet numerous individuals encounter challenges that may hinder their development. This research seeks to examine the public speaking challenges encountered by Englishmajor students in higher education in Uzbekistan and to identify effective strategies to assist them in overcoming these difficulties. Public speaking is crucial for both academic and professional success; however, many students experience considerable anxiety and confidence issues when delivering presentations.
The objectives of this research are to analyze the various perspectives of researchers on the classification of public speaking challenges among students; to explore the internal and external factors contributing to these challenges, such as public speaking anxiety (PSA), fear of making mistakes, linguistic barriers, and performance-related concerns; and to examine the research results. The research methodology employed a quantitative approach, utilizing an online survey with 85 English-major students as participants at Uzbekistan State World Languages University. The survey comprised 10 questions, addressing key areas such as PSA, fear of mistakes, confidence issues, and preparation methods.
The results indicate that anxiety and fear of making mistakes are perceived as the most significant barriers for students, alongside challenges related to linguistic competence and audience perception. Students frequently reported employing preparation techniques, such as note-taking and rehearsal, but these methods were found to be insufficient in fully alleviating their public speaking anxiety.
The research concludes that a comprehensive approach, addressing both psychological and linguistic barriers, is essential for improving public speaking abilities. Providing frequent practice opportunities, along with anxiety management strategies and peer feedback, can assist students in becoming more confident and effective public speakers. The study also underscores the importance of offering students structured opportunities to practice public speaking, such as participating in debate clubs or receiving regular peer feedback.