FROM STAGE FRIGHT TO STAGE SPOTLIGHT: A 5-DAY PUBLIC

SPEAKING SYMPOSIUM

________________________________________________

A Concept Paper
Presented to
KIAMBA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Kiamba, Sarangani Province
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

________________________________________

By:

ISRAFIL M. SILAO
JAYREX K. LAGUARDIA
Students

ROMELITA R. HIDALGO
Teacher
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

INTRODUCTION 1

THE NEED 2

BACKGROUND 3

PROJECT DESCRIPTION 35

BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS 35

CONTACT INFORMATION 35

REFERENCES AND ATTACHMENTS 35

ii
 I. Introduction

Stage fright, the complete opposition to public might, hinders

students' ability to express their ideas, thoughts, and creative

imaginations due to anxiety. As Suadiyatno et al. (2020) concluded in

their study, anxiety significantly affects students' speaking skills.

As the social world continues to expand, many opportunities

require strong public speaking skills as a valuable quality. While

many students may develop such characteristics, some face

challenges in a traditional learning environment. Therefore, a

dedicated program could be a significant milestone for the

enhancement of these skills.

With this in mind, a public speaking symposium could be a

valuable contribution to improving students' public speaking

proficiency. In Herbein et al.'s (2018) study, they conducted a

multicomponent training program for children, which effectively

enhanced public speaking skills and reduced speech anxiety. This

also demonstrated positive treatment effects on public speaking skills

and speech anxiety, indicating partial success in practice.

This concept paper aims to conduct a 5-day workshop training

that emphasizes both theoretical and practical public speaking

practices to develop this skill. The workshop will take place in the

Kiamba National High School (KNHS) Gymnasium. Senior high school

students are encouraged to participate, as they are on the verge of

entering the social world as they approach college.

In today's world, effective communication skills are invaluable.

They open doors to opportunities, enhance our personal and

professional lives, and empower us to connect with others on a

profound level. Public speaking is a fundamental component of these

skills, and yet, it's an area where many individuals, especially

students often struggle. Stage fright, fear of judgment, and the

inability to articulate thoughts coherently can hinder personal growth

and development.

As our society evolves, the demand for confident and skilled

speakers continues to grow (Angeline & Krystallyn, 2020). Whether it's

in the classroom, the boardroom, or any other public platform, the

ability to communicate persuasively and with confidence is a crucial

asset. Therefore, it is important to develop these skills, particularly in

the context of socialization and public speaking, to build confidence

and adapt to our changing social world.

iv
III. Background

Public speaking is an essential skill in both academic and

professional realms, one that empowers individuals to communicate

effectively and establish connections with their audience. However, it

is widely recognized that most people are not born as proficient public

speakers; rather, they undergo training and development to overcome

the overwhelming emotions of fear and anxiety associated with

addressing an audience.

Kant (2000) highlights that even individuals who are at ease in

everyday conversations can be overwhelmed by the prospect of

speaking in front of a group. This fear of public speaking is a common

experience shared by many, and it often leads to a desire to avoid

such situations, causing distress when unavoidable. In fact, it is

essential to understand that the majority of speakers, at some point,

grapple with similar anxieties and apprehensions.

Professionals, in particular, are expected to continuously

enhance their communication skills. Verderber, Sellnow, and

Verderber (2011) emphasize that effective public speaking not only

improves one's ability to address an audience but also enhances

overall communication competence. Confidence, speaking style,

intonation patterns, and other aspects of communication have a

profound impact on an individual's professionalism and personality.

Anxiety, defined as a state of uneasiness and apprehension,

often arises from the anticipation of something threatening,

that anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health

challenges faced by public speakers. This anxiety can lead

individuals to avoid speaking situations or experience intense distress

when confronting them. Kant (2000) further emphasizes that

displaying fear of public speaking can negatively affect how one is

perceived, hindering the ability to make a strong impression through

confident gestures.

The hurdles posed by fear and anxiety in public speaking can

have significant personal and professional repercussions,

underscoring the importance of developing strong public speaking

skills. By honing their abilities and practicing in various contexts,

students can not only overcome their fears but also become more

confident, thereby unlocking their potential for success.

In light of these challenges and the universal need for effective

public speaking, this concept paper, titled "From Stage Fright to Stage

Spotlight: A 5-Day Public Speaking Symposium," aims to address

these issues, provide guidance, and offer strategies to transform

apprehensive novices into confident and compelling public speakers.

vi
IV. Project Description

Goal: The primary goal of this concept paper is to equip

individuals, both students and educators, with the knowledge and

tools necessary to overcome stage fright and transform into effective,

confident public speakers. We aim to empower our readers to harness

their fear, develop their skills, and ultimately, step into the spotlight

with poise and impact.

Specifically, this project seeks to achieve the following objectives:

1. To raise awareness about the significance of effective public

speaking skills in academic and professional settings.

2. To provide practical strategies and techniques for individuals to

overcome stage fright and enhance their public speaking abilities.

3. To explore the psychological aspects of stage fright and offer

insights into managing and harnessing this fear.

4. To emphasize the role of public speaking in personal development,

self-confidence, and career success.

vii
IV. Budgetary Requirements

Equipment 13,500

Guest Speaker Fee 10,000

Refreshments 2,500

Venue Rental 7,000

Miscellaneous Materials 5,000

Total 28,000

First and foremost, the allocation of 13,500 pesos for

Equipment encompasses the technical backbone of the event. This

budget covers audio-visual equipment, microphones, projectors,

screens, and other necessary gear. These are crucial for enhancing the

clarity and impact of the speakers' presentations, making the

symposium more engaging and effective.

The 10,000 pesos Guest Speaker Fee is a critical investment.

Guest speakers bring expertise, credibility, and the potential to draw a

larger audience. By compensating them, the event can attract

reputable individuals who will not only inspire the audience but also

add substantial value to the symposium.

The provision of 2,500 pesos for Refreshments may seem like a

small detail, but it has a significant impact. It creates a comfortable

and welcoming environment for attendees, promoting interaction and

networking. During breaks, refreshments enable attendees to discuss

viii
what they've learned, connect with peers, and ultimately enhance the

overall experience, thereby improving the perceived value of the

symposium.

Securing a suitable venue, for which 7,000 pesos is earmarked,

is fundamental to the event's success. The venue sets the tone and

atmosphere of the symposium and should provide the necessary

space, seating, and facilities to ensure smooth and professional

operation.

Lastly, the allocation of 5,000 pesos for Miscellaneous Materials

may cover various essential supplies. These can include name badges,

signage, promotional materials, printed programs, and other items

crucial for maintaining a professional and organized event.

Collectively, these budgetary components contribute to the

symposium's overall quality, attendee satisfaction, and its ability to

meet its intended objectives.

ix
V. Contact Information:

Name of Chief Executive: Israfil M. Silao

Mobile No. : 09638252956

Address: Brgy. Poblacion, Kiamba, Sar. Prov.

Name of Chief Executive: Jayrex K. Laguardia

Mobile No. : 09518281141

Address: Brgy. Poblacion, Kiamba, Sar. Prov.

x
References:

Angeline, Krystallyn. (2020). Importance of Public Speaking in the

Future.

Herbein, E., Golle, J., Tibus, M., Zettler, I., & Trautwein, U. (2018).

Putting a speech training program into practice: Its

implementation and effects on elementary school children’s

public speaking skills and levels of speech anxiety.

Contemporary Educational Psychology.

https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEDPSYCH.2018.09.003.

Kant, L. (2000). Public speaking anxiety. Tennessee: University of

Tennessee.

Kirkwood, C. K., & Melton, S. T. (2002).Anxiety disorders. In J. T.

Dipiro, R. L. Talbert, G. C. Yee, G. R. Matzke, B. G. Wells, L.

M. Posey, Pharmacotherapy: A pathophysiologic approach (5th

ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Suadiyatno, T., Firman, E., Hanan, A., & Sumarsono, D. (2020).

EXAMINING THE EFFECT OF CONTEXTUAL TEACHING-

LEARNING AND ANXIETY TOWARDS STUDENTS’ SPEAKING

SKILLS. , 8, 100-107.

https://doi.org/10.33394/JOLLT.V8I1.2266.

Verderber, R. F. Verderber, K. S., & Sellnow, D. D. (2011). The

challenge of effective speaking. Boston: Cengage Learning.