Many students face challenges in public speaking which limits them to communicate and connect effectively because of limited language proficiency, vocabulary, and mastery. Hence, this study aimed to explore students’ experiences and struggles with CebuTech Talks in enhancing self-confidence and public speaking skills. A qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to gather data through an interview guide with 20 purposively chosen participants. Thematic analysis, as outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006), was used to identify key patterns in the data. Four themes emerged from the study: CebuTech Talks as a Meaningful Platform for Building Self-Confidence and Enhancing Public Speaking Skills; Students’ Struggles Stem from Mental Barriers, Cognitive Struggles, External Pressures, and Self-Consciousness; Empowering Student Growth and Confidence through Active Learning and Skill Development; and Building Self-Mastery to Overcome Public Speaking Challenges. The findings revealed that students who participated faced significant experiences and challenges in delivering speeches in front of an audience. Furthermore, CebuTech Talks served as a valuable platform to boost self-confidence and improve public speaking skills. The study recommends that CebuTech Talks continue to be offered as an opportunity for students to practice and further develop their self-confidence and public speaking skills.
Alviar et al. (Sun,) studied this question.