Standing in the Spotlight

This article examines public speaking anxiety (PSA) among university students presenting in English as a foreign language. Public speaking is widely recognized as an essential academic and professional skill, yet many learners experience significant stress when asked to perform in front of an audience. The study draws on data from a questionnaire and from students’ self-reflection journals written during a Master’s-level presentations course at a Czech university. The findings show that anxiety manifests in multiple ways, including physical symptoms, negative thoughts, and loss of confidence. Students reported that presenting in a second language made them especially self-conscious, as they worried about vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. At the same time, the journals revealed important strategies for coping, such as thorough preparation, supportive peer feedback, and positive classroom atmosphere. Over the course of the semester, many students described gradual improvements in their ability to manage nervousness and to view presentations more positively. The study argues that PSA is not only an individual challenge but also a pedagogical issue that can be shaped by course design. It concludes that fostering a safe environment, normalizing anxiety, and encouraging reflection are effective ways to help students build resilience and develop greater confidence as speakers.