ACQUISITION OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE SKILLS THROUGH PUBLIC SPEAKING: A CASE STUDY OF THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM FACULTY

Abstract

This research is aimed at assisting students in the acquisition of a foreign language (English in particular). Specifically, it investigates the development of fluency and accuracy in advanced-level learners of English through preparation for and actual participation in a public speaking event. The paper examines the literature relating to various modes in which public speaking in L2 and public speaking, in general, can be instrumental in faster L2 acquisition as well as in the development of overall communication competence. This work addresses TED Talks format which has opened new vistas for educational process at high school as it provides academic topics with a wider prospect as well as with a range of relevant vocabulary and grammatical structures. Moreover, public speaking engages speakers into active process of creation, it transforms the whole notion of study into a fruitful practice of learning while doing. Being placed into the circumstances where to be heard they need to cultivate their social, personal and language skills within the framework of the concise message framing, learners take an active position in their education. Undoubtedly, the broader choice of various angles inflames the interest itself. With general direction provided, a potential speaker tries to avoid plagiarism naturally driven by his personal curiosity and appeal to the topic of the speech. The research is based on practical experience of approaching to language learning process by means of public speaking elements. The implications of the public speaking component for university curricula considered, the paper concludes with a number of practical recommendations on how to implement a similar course to reach the desired instructional effect.