The Oral Communication Apprehension in English Among First Year Information Technology Students

Abstract

This qualitative paper examined the lived experience of first year IT students with OCA. This explored both the physical and emotional experiences that affected their overall learning. In addition, this paper also explored on the mitigating techniques these students practice in order to alleviate the effects of OCA. After all the data were gathered through written q and a, virtual interviews and narrative reflections, the findings supported the idea that their OCA is a Trait-like CA that was rooted from their experiences during their elementary days in a public speaking set-up, of which they stated as their worst experience, with varied experiences which includes their fear of negative evaluation, faced with unfamiliar audience and being too conscious about it, the fear to commit some grammatical mistakes, hesitations to speak and fear induced by their own teacher.  They share common physical manifestations of OCA, like sweating and feeling cold/chills, shaking, increased in heart rate or palpitations, and stuttering. Emotional manifestations include nervousness that is rooted from their fear being evaluated negatively. They also felt bad on the way they communicate afterwards which is still connected to their fear of being evaluate. Interestingly, they have a positive outlook when it comes to attending their purposive communication class despite their OCA, however, their OCA has no connection to their chosen career, which is IT. Finally, they employ variety of mitigating techniques to alleviate their OCA, such as practicing or rehearsals, writing a script/outline, making hand gestures/fidgeting, breathing exercises for relaxation, and doing code-switching.