Abstract: This study explored the lived experiences of Filipino college students in an Effective Communication course focusing particularly on their speaking performances. This phenomenological study employed Husserlian’s bracketing and Colazzi’s steps in data analysis. After a thorough analysis and reflection, four themes were made. These are the following: (coping strategies), nervousness and anxiousness, being prepared and composed, and the impact of speaking experiences and communication strategies. Also, it was found out that participants faced common challenges such as: speech preparation, memorization or familiarization, and spontaneity. Their public speaking anxiety came from varied sources like public speaking skills, English language skills, emotional predispositions, and the public speaking situation itself. They faced common challenges in every speaking activity; however, they had their ways or strategies in overcoming them. They chose to perform despite the feeling of nervousness. They described their whole experience as a step by step learning process to becoming good communicators or closer to it. Most participants were not into speaking before the crowd but the experiences served as gateways of improving their self-confidence and communication skills. Effective classroom activities that will enhance the students’ speaking abilities can be created and utilized.
Keywords: public speaking, communication strategies, phenomenology, effective communication.
Title: Lived Experiences of College Students in an EFCOM (Effective Communication) Course
Author: Sherilyn Llanera-Salve
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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