Students' Experiences in Increasing Self-Confidence When Speaking in Front of the Class

Abstract

This study aims to explore students' experiences in increasing their confidence when speaking in front of the class. Self-confidence is a crucial aspect in developing students' communication skills, particularly in educational contexts that encourage active participation. This study focuses on how classroom interactions, involvement in presentation activities, and a supportive learning environment influence the development of self-confidence. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study involved student participants who actively participated in learning activities involving speaking skills. The results showed that active involvement in presentation activities encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, manage their fear of speaking, and strengthen their understanding of the material. In the process, students experienced significant emotional and social development, as evidenced by their courage in expressing their opinions, their initiative to perform voluntarily, and their improved verbal communication quality. Furthermore, teacher support in the form of motivation, appreciation, and a communicative approach, along with positive encouragement from peers, played a significant role in creating a sense of security and comfort for students to perform. This study contributes to the understanding that self-confidence is not only an innate factor but also the result of a directed and continuous learning process. The implications of this research can serve as a foundation for developing active communication-based learning strategies to support students' holistic character development.