Elevate your English: A Public Speaking and Leadership Program for Grade 11 Students in Balayang High School

Abstract

Filipinos are proficient English speakers due to historical influences and a collectivist society, yet English skills are declining among younger generations, especially post-COVID-19. To improve competitiveness, the Department of Education focuses on enhancing communication skills in Senior High School (SHS). However, many SHS graduates lack confidence in their employability, citing insufficient preparation and soft skills. The intervention "Elevate Your English," a modified Toastmasters-based program, aimed to improve public speaking skills in Grade 11 students at Balayang High School. Conducted over seven sessions, it included lectures, role assignments, and evaluations. The teacher-researcher, drawing from corporate experience, saw potential in integrating this approach in public schools. The intervention included measuring first the anxiety levels using a modified PSCAS and evaluating performance with a Speech Evaluation Form from Toastmasters. After the program, perceptions were collected via a Likert-scale Satisfaction Questionnaire and validated through interviews, focusing on language improvement, public speaking, and overall program evaluation. As a result, the program significantly enhanced students' abilities. The findings suggested that consistent exposure to English-speaking activities reduces fear and boosts proficiency. The study recommended continued research, support for teachers, and integrating public speaking activities into lessons, including using virtual platforms, to further develop students' skills for academic and professional success.