APU Students Build Confidence Through Public Speaking

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For many students, standing before an audience can feel daunting. Whether presenting an assignment, pitching an idea or speaking at a future workplace meeting, the ability to communicate with confidence is a skill that often develops through practice rather than theory alone.

Recognising this, students from the Co-Curricular Module (CC1) under Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of General Studies (SoGS) organised a Public Speaking Workshop in collaboration with the Rotaract Club on 11 July 2026 at APU’s campus. 

The initiative transformed public speaking from something intimidating into an enjoyable and supportive learning experience, giving participants practical opportunities to step forward, speak up and discover their individual strengths as communicators. 

Making Public Speaking Less Intimidating

Presented by Ms Sharenjit Kaur, Lecturer at APU’s School of Foundation, the workshop attracted both local and international students eager to strengthen a skill that plays an important role in academic achievement, employability and professional growth. 

Through an engaging and interactive approach, Ms Sharenjit guided participants through practical techniques for overcoming stage fright, organising ideas, engaging an audience and delivering presentations with greater impact. 

Importantly, students were encouraged not simply to imitate a particular speaking style, but to identify and develop their own. This helped participants understand that effective communication is also about authenticity — presenting ideas naturally while connecting meaningfully with an audience. 

Discussions and interactive activities throughout the session gave students a safe environment to practise, experiment and move beyond their comfort zones. In doing so, they strengthened not only their presentation techniques but also their confidence, critical thinking and ability to communicate clearly. 

Learning Through Participation and Connection

For Layla Mohamed Ali, a Foundation in Engineering student, the experience offered useful strategies for managing nervousness and developing confidence.

“The public speaking seminar was an enjoyable experience. I learned how to speak more confidently, communicate clearly, and overcome nervousness when speaking in front of others. Overall, I enjoyed the seminar and learned many valuable public speaking skills,” she shared.

Diploma in Software Engineering student Mohamed Yaeesh similarly found that the workshop combined meaningful learning with an enjoyable atmosphere.

“The whole workshop was amazing. Honestly, it helped me grow confidence as well. Everyone was extremely supportive, and Ms Sharenjit made the whole event so playful and fun. So far, I would say this was the most educational and the most fun workshop I have taken part in,” he said.

For fellow Diploma in Software Engineering student Mario Emmanuel Telado Degullacion, the workshop also created opportunities for social connection.

“The workshop is very fun. I got to meet new people. It was an engaging session. I would totally join the workshop again,” he said.

Students Creating Opportunities for Students

Behind the workshop was another important learning journey — that of the student organisers themselves. 

The initiative was led by Rowen Joachim Dev, a Diploma in Information & Communication Technology with a specialism in Software Engineering student, together with a 10-member organising team. They were assisted by Ms Neeshanti Rhamaroo, Lecturer at SoGS, under the guidance of Mr Ragunathan Ayyavoo, Head of SoGS. 

By planning and delivering an activity for their peers, the CC1 students experienced learning from a different perspective. Coordination, teamwork, communication, problem-solving and event management became practical responsibilities rather than classroom concepts. 

Their collaboration with the Rotaract Club, an official student-led, community-centric society sponsored by Rotary International with a focus on leadership development, professional networking and social responsibility, further demonstrated how partnerships can expand opportunities for meaningful student engagement. 

Building Skills Beyond the Classroom

The success of the workshop illustrates the value of student-led initiatives in creating experiences that complement formal academic learning. 

While participants walked away more prepared to speak confidently before an audience, the organisers themselves gained leadership and teamwork experience by creating an opportunity that contributed to the growth of their peers.

“Through initiatives such as this, we want our students to experience learning beyond the classroom, to learn by doing, connect with others and develop lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond university.” 

“At the School of General Studies, we are committed to supporting more meaningful and student-driven programmes that empower our students to become confident communicators, proactive learners and future-ready leaders,” concluded Mr Ragunathan Ayyavoo, Head of the School of General Studies.