Analysis of constant participation in public speaking and debate can conquer fear and gain confidence

Students experience high speaking anxiety due to fear of negative evaluation, concerns about making mistakes, and self-consciousness in front of peers and instructors. This anxiety is often intensified by limited prior exposure to public speaking, a lack of confidence in language proficiency, and pressure to meet academic expectations. As a result, speaking anxiety can hinder students’ participation, affect their academic performance, and impact their ability to develop essential communication skills for future professional settings. This paper explored the experiences of college public speakers in intensive speaking experiences like public speaking and debates, how they managed their anxiety, and how they developed long-term engagement to this activity. College students (n=16) were selected using purposive sampling, with preliminary data gathered through open-ended questions to ensure their suitability for the study. The findings suggested that intensive public speaking experiences contributed to students’ confidence, cognitive skills, growth mindset, and creativity. Confidence was built through practice, emotional regulation, and consistency, allowing students to manage anxiety and articulate their thoughts effectively. These experiences enhanced cognitive abilities, such as quick thinking, logical structuring, and information recall, which were essential for public speaking and debates. In addition, students developed a growth mindset by recognizing that confidence and competence were skills cultivated through persistent effort and constructive feedback. Lastly, public speaking encouraged creativity, as students learned to present compelling arguments, explore innovative communication techniques, and engage audiences dynamically. Experiential learning opportunities can be introduced by encouraging a positive environment, providing constructive feedback, ensuring reflective practice, and integrating real-world applications that promote active engagement and skill development in speaking.