Overcoming Communication Apprehension with Emotional Intelligence skills

Authors

  • Mary Thomas Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Perak branch Perak, Malaysia
  • Nooreen Noordin, Dr. Faculty of Educational Studies Universiti Putra,Malaysia
  • Peter Francis Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Perak branch Perak, Malaysia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2016.5.3.201.211

Keywords:

emotional intelligence, communication apprehension, Communication skills

Abstract

Good communication skill in the English language is a necessity for graduates in a second language learning environment to ensure that they can secure employment upon graduation. To be successful communicators, learners must be able to deal with their apprehension appropriately which can be difficult especially for learners with low self-esteem and those who fear that they are incompetent in the English language.  This study explores the potential of emotional intelligence as a means to overcome communication apprehension among tertiary learners. The instruments used to measure these two variables are the Emotional Skills Profile (ESAP) by Nelson and Low (2011) and the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA24) by McCroskey (1982). The results indicate a significant negative association between emotional intelligence and communication apprehension. The regression analysis shows that intrapersonal, self-management and personal leadership are important predictors in determining communication apprehension levels. Hence, it is vital for language educators to incorporate emotional intelligence within the language curriculum to enhance learners’ confidence in using the second language.

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Author Biographies

Mary Thomas, Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Perak branch Perak, Malaysia

Mary Thomas is a senior lecturer with the Academy of Language, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Perak branch. She has a degree in Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (MSc. TESOL) from the University of Stirling, Scotland and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree with Universiti Putra Malaysia. She has taught ESL in UiTM for over 25 years. She has written and presented papers on learning styles and strategies, autonomous learning, communication apprehension and emotional intelligence.

Nooreen Noordin, Dr., Faculty of Educational Studies Universiti Putra,Malaysia

Nooreen Noordin holds a doctoral degree from Universiti Putra Malaysia in the field of Teaching English as a Second Language. She is a senior lecturer at the Department of Language and Humanities Education, Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her research interests are on language learning technology, content-based instruction and learning styles. She has authored and co-authored several book chapters and journal papers.

Peter Francis, Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Perak branch Perak, Malaysia

Peter Francis is a senior lecturer with the Academy of Language, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), and Perak branch. He holds a Diploma in ESL from University Malaya and both a Bachelor and Masters Degree in TESL from Universiti Putra Malaysia. He has taught ESL in UiTM for over 15 years and has served as a teacher teaching English in schools both at the primary and secondary level. He has written and presented papers on learning styles and strategies, autonomous learning and using literature in the ESL classroom.

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Published

2016-07-01

How to Cite

Thomas, M., Noordin, N., & Francis, P. (2016). Overcoming Communication Apprehension with Emotional Intelligence skills. Journal of Social Sciences (COES&Amp;RJ-JSS), 5(3), 201–211. https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2016.5.3.201.211

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2016): July Issue

Section

Articles