Environment and Social Psychology

A qualitative study on the effects of self-doubt on public speaking and audience reception among senior high school students

Erwin B. Berry

Department of General Teacher Training, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Rosario, Tandag City 8300, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Jason V. Chavez

School of Business Administration, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University,Zamboanga City 7000

Bernadette R. Gumpal

Department of Languages and Literature, College of Arts and Sciences, Isabela State University Echague Campus, 3309, Echague, Isabela, Philippines, Orcid: 0009-0008-3715-654X

Kristopher R. Lopez

Bachelor of Secondary Education Program, Isabela State University, San Mariano Campus,Sta. Filomena, San Mariano, Isabela, ORCID: 0009-0003-4610-2424

Joseph B. Quinto

Department of English, College of Arts and Humanities, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet 2601, Philippines

Shyla O. Moreno

Department of General Teacher Training, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Rosario, Tandag City 8300, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Jennifer M. Montero

Graduate School, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Tandag City 8300, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

James Q. Grefalde

Department of Business Management, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Tandag City 8300, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Rudyard Ryann T. Verano

Department of Hospitality Management/College of Business and Management, North Eastern Mindanao State University, Tandag City 8300, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Sar-Ana M. Abdurasul

College of Humanities, Social Science and Communication, Basilan State College, Isabela City 7300, Basilan, Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i8.3840

Keywords: Self-doubt; public speaking; student anxiety; communication

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Abstract

This qualitative study explores the detriments of self-doubt on a public speaker’s message, particularly among Filipino senior high school student speakers. Using an exploratory design, the research aimed to understand how self-doubt manifests during the preparation and delivery of a speech, and how it affects message clarity, confidence, and audience reception. Fifteen participants shared their experiences through semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis revealed that self-doubt operates on both internal and external levels. Internally, it is triggered by fear of judgment, lack of preparation, and negative self-perception, often resulting in overthinking and emotional withdrawal. Externally, it manifests in disorganized delivery, weak persuasive tone, and noticeable nervous behaviors. Despite these challenges, participants reported coping strategies such as positive self-talk, mindfulness, and grounding techniques that helped manage their anxiety. The findings highlight the importance of addressing emotional readiness in public speaking education and call for supportive environments that empower students to overcome internal barriers and communicate with greater clarity and confidence.

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