SUPORNPHAN KONCHIAB -
PANITHI AMATAYAKUL (Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna)

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE ORAL PRESENTATION OF SUCCESSFUL THAI EFL UNDERGRADUATES : OTHERS

This qualitative study aimed to depict Thai EFL students' reflections on their oral presentation performance, particularly successful ones. The participants were 15 English for International Communication (EIC) undergraduates from a public university in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They were purposively selected from 72 EIC students who enrolled in the English Presentation class based on their academic performance. The data collection methods comprised five informative presentation tasks, assessment criteria, and students’ self-reports. The findings showed that those with outstanding performance were well-prepared for topics and contents, followed by frequent practice before giving presentations. Also, they were more likely confident and satisfied with their presentation performance. Their common strengths were presentation organization and language use, whereas paces, pauses, and emotional factors, especially anxiety and excitement, were their major weaknesses. Overall, although doing well, they continually improved presentation techniques and increased practice for better performance. However, to minimize negative emotions affecting their presentation performance, it is suggested to integrate social-affective strategies into the presentation course so that they can manage their feelings and emotions well when giving oral presentations.

Asst. Prof. Supornphan Konchiab is a lecturer in English for International Communication, Faculty of Business Administration and Liberal Arts at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna in Chiangmai, Thailand. She teaches undergraduate and post-graduate courses, namely Language and Culture, English Presentation and Discussion, Seminar in English, and Independent Studies. Her research interests included ESP, Action Research, Intercultural Communication, and Design Thinking.

Dr. Panithi Amatayakul is a lecturer in Business English, Faculty of Business Administration and Liberal Arts at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna in Chiangmai, Thailand. She teaches undergraduate ESP courses such as English for Service Industry, and English for Business Presentation. Her research interests included ESP and Intercultural Communication.