Glossophobia: The Fear of Public Speaking in ESL Students in Ghana

Glossophobia, an individual’s anxiety of public speaking, has been observed to be a common phenomenon among students. The present study explores factors associated with glossophobia ESL students tertiary institution in Upper-West Ghana, the Dr. Hilla Limann Technical University, Wa and makes recommendations for improvement their speaking skills. combined both quantitative qualitative research approaches opinion poll involving 46 participants from Level 300 class Secretaryship Management Studies Business School. Participants acknowledged importance but conceded that at some point student lives, when they had speak public, prevented them making good impression on audience. Speaking English before crowd was identified as most dreaded experience. Low self-confidence public; lack constant experience knowledge speaking; fear mistakes being laughed at; inadequate preparation timidity were also challenges affecting participants’ ability public. To help overcome phobia, recommends lecturers should adopt interactive approach appropriate communication strategies promote positive attitudes create desirable atmosphere boosting students’ confidence. Lecturers organise seminars skills encourage regular individual oral presentation so can practise develop towards speaking.