Barriers to Having Successful Communication Skills in Performing English Public Speaking: A Study of EFL Learners

Abstract

Successful communication might be hindered by certain factors which act as barriers to its success and effectiveness. Hence, the present study was aimed at exploring any possible barriers faced by EFL learners to having successful communication skills in performing English public speaking tasks. The data of the present study were obtained from twenty-four research participants, using total population sampling technique, in the form of video-taped recordings - as the main instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed qualitatively using mixed methods research approach and applying thematic analysis strategy. The design of the present study was case study in nature. The findings of the present study revealed that most of the research participants are still at the level of ‘Proficient’ and ‘Basic’ categories regarding their competence in performing English public speaking oral communication. In terms of Grammatical & Vocabulary usages and Pronunciation & Intonation main themes, their competence is classified as ‘Proficient’ category, and in terms of Discourse Management and Fluency main themes, their competence is classified as ‘Basic’ category. The most dominant barriers faced by the research participants to having successful communication skills in performing English public speaking tasks are related to Discourse Management and Fluency main themes.

 Keywords: Barriers, Communication Skills, Public Speaking, EFL Learners