Self-regulatory Strategies Used by Malaysian University Students in Reducing Public Speaking Anxiety: A Case Study

Abstract

Despite the increase in the number of Malaysian graduates entering the workforce, they have often been criticized of lacking proper presentation skills and having poor command of the English Language. Public speaking anxiety is believed to be the root of the issues faced by Malaysian graduates. While there is a growing body of literature researching on treatments and instructor techniques, little is known of self-regulatory strategies that Malaysian graduates could employ in actual situations. The recent information provided by the Minister of Higher Education, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad states about 25% of new graduates will face challenges to be employed within 6 months. Therefore, this paper examines the correlation between English Language proficiency and Public Speaking Anxiety, while investigating self-regulatory strategies used by Malaysian university students in a private university to alleviate the anxiety. Data had been collected for a year by recruiting 65 university students to complete Public Speaking Class Anxiety Scale questionnaire and have group interview. The findings not only reveal 60% of the participants experience low levels of public speaking anxiety but also the reasons behind those with a high level of Public Speaking Anxiety. On another note, the findings also cite affective as the type of the strategies that Malaysian university students used the most. While more studies are needed, revising the current public speaking course structure, and refining educational pedagogies are essential for lowering the psychological barrier of speaking.