Exploring Public Speaking Preparation: Insights from Vietnamese EFL Students

Public speaking (PS) is an important skill for English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students, yet it often presents significant challenges to these learners. This study sets out to explore PS preparation among Vietnamese EFL students enrolled in an advanced speaking course at a university in Vietnam. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 100 students via questionnaires, followed by in-depth interviews with 10 volunteer participants. The research reveals that while students demonstrate a strong understanding of PS competencies, including topic development and organization skills, they face considerable hurdles such as language anxiety, idea generation, and audience engagement. Most preparation activities in which students engaged focused on self-directed practices like rehearsals and visual aid creation, with limited reliance on collaborative feedback and audience analysis. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, such as structured peer reviews, instructor-led guidance, and technology-driven tools, to foster confidence and competence. This study not only deepens our understanding of EFL students’ experiences but also offers insights for educators to bridge gaps in PS instruction and empower students to excel.