ABSTRACT
Glossophobia is widely recognized as a significant barrier to effective verbal communication, particularly in academic settings where oral presentations, oral recitations, and examinations are integral to students’ success. This research paper investigates the prevalence and impact of glossophobia – commonly known as the fear of public speaking – on the academic performance of first-year nursing students at Butuan Doctors’ College during the Academic Year 2024-2025.The quantitative research design was used and the study gathered data from 130 respondents through structured survey questionnaire to measure the levels of glossophobia and its correlation with nursing students’ academic performance. The findings of the study showed that there is no significant relationship between the level of glossophobia and the academic performance of the respondents based on the statistical results.
In light of the results, the study underscores the necessity for institutional support mechanism aimed at alleviating glossophobia among nursing students at Butuan Doctors’ College. Recommended interventions include the integration of public speaking workshops, communication skills training, and targeted counseling services within the academic curriculum. By addressing glossophobia proactively, educational institutions can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment that enhances students’ confidence and academic performance.
Keywords: Glossophobia, Academic Performance, Public Speaking
INTRODUCTION
Everyone can certainly speak, but not everyone can speak easily and interestingly in public. Public speaking is a valuable skill that can be developed through learning and practice, but for those unaccustomed to it, the task may be challenging due to a lack of confidence and insufficient preparation.
According to the American Psychological Association, glossophobia is the fear of public speaking, classified as a social anxiety disorder. Individuals with glossophobia may experience intense anxiety, avoidance of public speaking situations, and physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat when faced with speaking in front of an audience (Pratt, 2024). This condition can significantly impact personal and professional aspects of life (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
Public speaking is important to support a health promotion program (Isobel et al., 2021; Stellefson et al., 2020). Public speaking is often a significant challenge for healthcare students, where various issues arise as barriers to their communication effectiveness (Monteiro et al., 2024). Healthcare students must be able to convey complex and often sensitive information to patients, patient’s families, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals (Hannawa et al., 2022; Karnieli-Miller et al., 2022). One of the main problems encountered is excessive anxiety, often caused by fear of making mistakes or being judged by the audience (Dansieh et al.,2021). This often results in low self-confidence and limited public speaking experience.
Effective communication is a cornerstone of nursing practice, essential for delivering high-quality patient care and fostering collaborative relationships within healthcare teams (Purdue University Global, 2023). The integration of effective communication practices in nursing not only improves patient care but also leads to a positive work environment and professional satisfaction among nurses (Purdue University Global, 2023). Addressing glossophobia is not only to enhance nursing students' academic experiences but it also equips them to be more effective communicators in the healthcare profession.
In academic settings, among nursing students, the ability to communicate effectively is important because communication is a critical component in the field of nursing. The transition from secondary education to tertiary education presents tons of challenges for first-year students. Some students experience a lack of self-confidence or apprehension when speaking to a large number of people or in public. This may be due to some reasons like a lack of practice, insufficient mastery of the given materials, limited vocabulary, or fear of speaking in front of an audience.
For first-year nursing students at Butuan Doctors’ College, the academic year 2024 marks a crucial period for developing foundational knowledge and skills. For this, students are expected to engage in various forms of communication, including oral presentations, oral recitation, group discussions, and clinical simulations.
The researcher aims to elucidate and examine the effect of glossophobia on academic performance among first-year nursing students at Butuan Doctors' College. The findings are intended to inform the development of supportive strategies and interventions designed to help students manage their fear, and improve their academic performance.
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