Public speaking anxiety in Maltese university students

Abstract

Public speaking anxiety (PSA) refers to the anxiety experienced by speakers communicating in front of an audience (MacIntyre, Thivierge, & MacDonald, 1997). The present study adopted a qualitative approach to explore the lived experiences of Maltese university students afflicted by PSA. The sample consisted of six Maltese university students (3 males and 3 females) who are experiencing PSA. The data was obtained through semi-structured interviews and analyzed by using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The results obtained demonstrate that PSA is a complex phenomenon which is affected by cognitions and emotions, such as shame, as well as physiological and behavioural symptoms. It also seems to be dependent upon, and augmented by different situational factors. Different ways of dealing with PSA have also emerged as a theme.