An Analysis of Anxiety and Self-Confidence in English for Presentation among EFL Students through TED Talks

Abstract

This descriptive mixed-methods study examined EFL students’ anxiety, self-confidence, and performance in English presentation skills through the use of TED Talks. The participants were 86 EFL students with English proficiency at CEFR level A2 or above. Data were collected over a 12-week period using TED Talk video clips, anxiety questionnaires, structured interviews, and English presentation assessments. The findings revealed a high level of anxiety during presentations (x̅ = 3.58, S.D. = 1.02), mainly due to concerns about inadequate English-speaking ability. Common anxiety symptoms included nervousness, physical trembling, and memory lapses. To enhance self-confidence, students most frequently engaged in additional practice (48.40%), followed by self-encouragement strategies (19.35%) and seeking support from teachers (12.90%). Overall, 43.02% of the participants demonstrated good performance in English presentation skills. The results suggest that TED Talks are an effective instructional tool for enhancing English presentation ability, as increased practice helps reduce anxiety and strengthen self-confidence. The findings also highlight the important role of teachers as facilitators who provide continuous support and encouragement.