English-Studies students' perceptions of presentation skills

Abstract

"Presentation skills are considered one of the essential competencies in many different fields. This qualitative study aims to investigate students' perceptions of presentation skills with a specific focus on its importance, factors affecting the quality of presentations, and the students’ level of confidence in their presentation skills. Data were collected through interviews with 12 3rd and 4th students from two groups: the English-Studies mainstream program and the High-quality program. The findings indicated that English-Studies students hold a high perception of the importance of presentation skills in both academic and future career contexts. They believed that practicing presentation skills helped them improve their professional competencies such as improving pronunciation, expanding vocabulary, and improving speaking skills. Besides, making presentations also helps them increase confidence, and develop some soft skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem solving,etc. In addition, factors that affect the quality and effectiveness of presentations include content, supporting tools such as slides and PowerPoint, body language, audience, professional knowledge, time and topic. Furthermore, students' confidence level in their presentation skills depends on each student's ability, personality, and learning experience. Determining students’ perceptions of presentation skills can help inform adjustments to the training program as well as teaching and learning methods, thereby supporting students in improving this essential skill. "