INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 46
OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING FOR UNDERGRADUATE
STUDENTS: A KEY TO SUCCESS
Rayimaliyeva Yoqutxon Zohidjon kizi
Scientific supervisor, English teacher at
Uzbekistan State World Languages University
Ibragimova Bibirobiyajon Ro‘zmat kizi
A 2
nd
year student English Philology Faculty,
Uzbekistan State World Languages University, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan
bibirobiyaibragimova18@gmail.com
Abstract:
Public speech is the key component of students' progress that can accelerate the
developing process of their career since it helps them to have a high profile at their university
and other top universities. Because the main goal of the research is assisting students in
overcoming the fear of giving a public speech. The author used both the quantitative and
qualitative research methods in this article. According to the survey, 30% of students found that
giving a public speech in front of a great audience is hesitant, whereas in contrast 71% of them
considered it as unbearable. Hence, the author explains, the advantageous strategies of giving
speech, the role of public speech, and overcoming anxiety in this process. This article
demonstrates some approaches in public speaking which 71% of students can utilize while they
are attempting to give a powerful speech in the future. Additionally, this research is helpful
enough not only for the students who have hesitation, but also for the other students who can
speak fluently in front of a great audience.
Key words:
Great audience, public speech, strategies of giving speech, role of public speech,
overcoming anxiety.
Introduction
It is true that the person who wants to be a leader in the field that he/she has chosen, should have
a strong communication skill or ability to speak in front of listeners. Whether people like or
dislike they are estimated by their speech, the way they behave. The importance of this theme is
discussed in the article. In terms of opinions of students, most of them are afraid of giving a
speech when they face a great number of people. These undergraduates, not only they but also
postgraduates, should learn speaking confidently in different places: Ceremonies, Project
Conferences, Parties. Since it can open a variety of future opportunities to become a successful
worker/manager in their sphere. If we think generally, the student who behaves like a person
who knows more information than others and speaks surely, explains his/her notion openly is
considered intelligent, even if they are unlike this version. Whereas other students who are
knowledgeable are not considered as intelligent because they do not show their knowledge by
speaking, because of their shyness or fear. This is a common situation mostly in lectures at the
university. This is the real life experience of the author. Hence overcoming anxiety is also a
crucial part of this research because this problem is globally accepted by the majority of students
of universities. Significantly, the research tries to give clear explanations of speaking strategies,
the importance of giving a speech. Dale Carnagey, who is a top writer and teacher of some
courses, writes that "Practice, practice, PRACTISE in speaking before an audience will tend to
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 47
remove all fear of audiences, just as practice in swimming will lead to confidence and facility in
the water. You must learn to speak by speaking." In his "The Art of Public Speaking" book.
( Dale Carnage's and J.Berg Esenwein, 2005 July 17 {EBook#16317}, ISO-8859-1. Chapter 1,
page 7) Additionally, Debohar Ko, who is the head of research, PALO IT. Says that"The art of
public speaking goes beyond delivering a message. As with storytelling, an effective speaker has
the power to transmit emotions, create a connection, and influence their audience. Charismatic
speakers can convey passion, commitment, and confidence in their delivery through emotional
contagion — the ability for audiences to “catch” the emotions of those they are listening to. We
know that with storytelling, the emotional journey is what audiences usually remember most. But
unlike the personality trait of “charisma”, “charismatic speaking” can be learned by anyone — it
is a way of training your voice." In her "Conquering the stage: The psychology of public
speaking" article. (Deborah Ko, Meidum website, 2023 28 July)
Literature review
Understanding the importance, the role of public speaking is the first step of this research. How
can people be well-known or create their career path successfully? The answer is simple.
Through delivering their ideas and opinions through their active speech. As it assists people to
grab the public attention. Moreover, they can also encounter their new fans. People who give an
attractive public speech will also be famous and top speakers as Steve Harvey. They will not be
able to succeed if they do not explain and inform their audience about their project, etc. When it
comes to strategies of public speech, there are some of them that speakers can use in their public
speaking. First, develop effective communications skills. Make the order of clarity-purpose,
conciseness, coherence in your speech. Do not add extra and unnecessary sentences because it
may seem like an immature person's speech. However, you can use some funny sentences to
cheer up and interact with your audience. Second, structure and organize your speech: make a
clear introduction, div, and conclusion. Try to use storytelling, examples, to engage the
audience. Adding the coffee/tea breaks also makes an intriguing your speech process. Third,
enhance your non-verbal communication since using div language, facial expressions, and
gestures is also a key part of your demonstration. Do not freeze in one place, move to different
spaces of the stage. Keeping eye contact is also a beneficial way to deliver the speech. The last
one is utilizing technology. Digital tools such as PowerPoint, AI-based speech analysis, are also
useful. It is clear that using visual aids is more lively to attract auditory attention. In the "Speak
like a leader" speech, Simon Lancaster, who is a famous TED talk speaker, states that
“ There are 6 techniques to become a leader in speaking: rhetorical device, three sentences in
which the opening clause is repeated, balancing, metaphor, exaggeration, and rhyme.” (Simon
Lancaster,TedxVerona, 2016 May 23) Overcoming anxiety is also the main solution for students
who are struggling with giving a speech because of their fear, hesitation. There are some
practical methods to build confidence, such as breathing exercises, visualization, and gradual
exposure. Ted Talk speaker Doctor Justin Molosey in his "How to overcome my fear of public
speaking" demonstration, claims that “Everyone has a fear of giving a speech. Have you ever
been nervous or felt fear when you have had to speak in front of a public? Maybe you have been
on a stage in front of a room full of people, or maybe you had a shared presentation in front of
your coworkers. Or maybe you have been in a room full of strangers and they made you stand up
and say who you are, where you are from, and what you do. Well, what is fear?. Fear is our
div's natural response to danger. When our div feels danger, we go into the fight or flight
response. And we get ready to run or fight for our lives.” (Dr. Justin Molosey, TedxWelmington,
2024, 10 June) [1]
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 48
Methodology
The author used some key research methods, especially qualitative and quantitative methods.
The author conducted a survey among students who were studying in the linguistics field.
According to the following survey, there is one question with some options that was given to the
students: "Do you hesitate when you are giving a public speech?" The options: "Yes. Why?
Because I forgot every single word and my div starts shaking because of anxiety". "No. Why?
Because this is a common situation for me. I jus go to the stage and speak what should I say?"
Almost 200 students took part in this survey. in terms of the answers, students who chose "No"
variant made up 30 %, while "Yes" option was accounted for 70% by the other students. 124
students chose "yes" variant, whereas 57 students preferred " no" option
Findings and discussions
According to the results of the survey, 126 students found that giving a speech is a pressing issue
for them, while only 58 students found it easy. The main reasons for choosing these options are
analyzed in this part
There are some causes why students chose these two options below. The cause of the first option
can be several. People who have disobedience also struggle with speaking confidently, other
reasons can be a lack of experience and practice. If people do not practise, they can not gain
access to give public speech. In that case, the researcher completely agrees with Dale Carnage's
notion which is given below. The main reason is public phobia. The people who are faced with
this problem, usually, are inactive in society, social events, etc. One of the respondents answers
in here "For me I grew up with a tremendous fear of public speaking and my earliest memory
having a fear to speak happened in the second grade.” (Dr. Justin Molosey, TedxWelmington,
2024, 10 June)[2] The researcher gives some suggestions for these students who are afraid of
giving a speech. Firstly, they should watch some TED Talk videos on YouTube and imitate the
top speakers. Secondly, they should practise actively, they can do it with even a mirror. Finally,
they should read more books than ever because reading books helps people express their ideas
easily. All the notions you have start coming automatically while you are speaking, as a result
you do not need to practise. When it comes to students who have chosen the second option, they
are confident to give a speech in front of a great audience. Since they did it repeatedly. As James
writes, if you accomplish one task over and over it will become your habit. They gave speeches
several times because of this reason, they do not hesitate. This is a normal situation for them.
Another reason can be their strong desire and ambition. Maybe, they have been dreaming about
being a famous public speaker. It also tempts them to give clear and meaningful public speech.
This is not a strange atmosphere for them, hence they can speak without hesitation even if there
are millions of guests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, developing public speaking skills is essential for all students to secure future
success in their professional lives. The research indicates that many students wrestle with the
fear of addressing a large audience. Survey results reveal that a considerable portion of
students—70%—experience anxiety and hesitation when required to deliver a speech, whereas
only 30% feel at ease doing so. Nevertheless, by employing appropriate strategies such as
effective communication, structuring speeches, improving non-verbal cues, and leveraging
modern technology, students can conquer these obstacles. The study underscores that regular
practice, exposure, and adopting methods to manage anxiety can aid students in cultivating the
confidence necessary for public speaking. Moreover, it is vital to recognize the significance of
storytelling, emotional connection, and personal charisma in enhancing a speech's impact. With
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ISSN: 2692-5206, Impact Factor: 12,23
American Academic publishers, volume 05, issue 03,2025
Journal:
https://www.academicpublishers.org/journals/index.php/ijai
page 49
insights from experts like Dale Carnegie and Deborah Ko, students can learn to excel in public
speaking, allowing them to communicate with assurance and effectively sway their audience.
Ultimately, this research provides actionable advice for students dealing with speech anxiety,
motivating them to take gradual steps toward becoming adept and self-assured public speakers.
By implementing the recommended strategies and fostering a mindset of continual practice,
students will be better prepared to tackle the challenges of public speaking, seize opportunities,
and leave a lasting impression on their listeners. The ability to converse confidently and
convincingly will not only enhance their academic results but also create pathways for
prosperous careers in their respective fields.
References:
1. Carnegie, D., & Esenwein, J. B. (1915). The art of public speaking. The Home
Correspondence School.
2. TED. (2024) How I Overcame My Fear of Public Speaking [Video] YouTube Dr. Justin
Moseley
3.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aImrjNPrh30&si=k7dSnjHKgY79wyjH
4. TEDxVerona (2016) Speak like a leader | Simon Lancaster |[Video] YouTube
5.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=bGBamfWasNQ&si=oLyfV3LVrXdBONlC
6. Psykobabble. (2024, March 5). Conquering the stage: The psychology of public speaking.
Medium.
7.
https://psykobabble.medium.com/conquering-the-stage-the-psychology-of-public-speaking-
8. Dale Carnage's and J.Berg Esenwein, (2005 July 17) {EBook#16317}, ISO-8859-1. Chapter
1, page 7
