Environment and Social Psychology

Audience's Mentality on Confidence towards Public Speakers during Political Campaigns

Jason V. Chavez

School of Business Administration, Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University, Zamboanga City7000, Philippines

Joseph B. Quinto

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

Ma. Theresa L. Eustaquio

College of Arts and Sciences, Isabela State University Echague Campus, Echague 3309, Isabela Province, Philippines

Leizl Joy A. Alzate

College of Arts and Sciences, Isabela State University Echague Campus, Echague 3309, Isabela Province, Philippines

Bernadette R. Gumpal

College of Arts and Sciences, Isabela State University Echague Campus, Echague 3309, Isabela Province, Philippines

Juanito P. Tandoc, Jr.

College of Arts and Sciences, Isabela State University Echague Campus, Echague 3309, Isabela Province, Philippines

Sar-Ana M. Abdurasul

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

Herda B. Usman

College of Teacher Education, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zamboanga City 7000, Philippines

Cynthia D. Miranda

College of Education, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology Dumangas, 5006, Iloilo, Philippines

Elena B. Panugot

College of Education, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology Dumangas, 5006, Iloilo, Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i11.3844

Keywords: Mentality; Public Speaker; Political Campaigns; Voters

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Abstract

While effective public speaking is a critical element in political campaigning, how audiences perceive speaker confidence, and how that perception is shaped by specific socio-cultural values, remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how registered Filipino voters interpret the confidence and communication styles of political speakers, as well as identifying the specific words or messages that resonate most and influence voter perception. Using an exploratory qualitative design, the study involves one-on-one interviews with 25 registered Filipino voters from Northern Luzon, Western Visayas, and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to uncover themes related to public perception of speaker confidence, the emotional and psychological undertones of speaker delivery, and the linguistic elements that make political messages impactful. The findings reveal that for Filipino voters, confidence is not a projection of dominance but is interpreted as a relational construct rooted in perceived authenticity, humility, and adaptability. Findings contribute to the fields of political communication, campaign strategy, and public speaking by offering insights into how culturally-specific values and perceived authenticity influence public trust, emotional connection, and electoral decision-making.

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