Abstract
Public speaking anxiety significantly affects English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners, impeding their oral performance and academic progress. Traditional strategies, such as relaxation techniques and peer support, often fail to address the multifaceted nature of anxiety. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced tools that create personalized, non-judgmental practice environments, offering new possibilities for alleviating anxiety. Despite this, research on AI’s effectiveness in reducing public speaking anxiety in EFL contexts remains limited. This study explores the impact of AI tools on reducing speaking anxiety using a mixed-methods approach with four postgraduate EFL learners. Results show substantial anxiety reduction across cognitive, behavioral, and physiological dimensions. Cognitively, participants reported decreased worries about grammar, pronunciation errors, and forgetting key points. Behaviorally, they demonstrated improved speech organization and delivery confidence through repetitive practice and structured feedback. Physiologically, learners experienced reduced symptoms such as trembling hands and rapid heart rate, noting a gradual stabilization during presentations. These findings emphasize AI’s transformative role in fostering confidence and enhancing oral performance. While highlighting AI’s potential, this study underscores the need for larger-scale, long-term research to validate its broader applications across diverse educational and cultural contexts.
Presenters
Huang Long ZhangStudent, Master, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
PUBLIC PRESENTATION ANXIETY
