Public Speaking in the Digital Era: Undergraduate Engagement with TED Talks as a Learning Resource

Abstract

Public speaking is a significant skill in both professional and academic settings, yet many students struggle with delivery techniques, confidence and anxiety. TED talks, known for their polished and engaging presentations, offer an effective model for improving these skills. This research investigates undergraduate students' perspectives on using TED Talks to improve their public speaking skills. The study employed a qualitative methodology and collected data from higher education institutions in Sialkot through semi-structured interviews. The results show that students consider TED talks a powerful tool for learning effective presentation strategies, particularly in speech structure, audience engagement, and body language. Additionally, they cited TED speakers’ ability to make complex topics inspiring and accessible, which helped students to deliver their message clearly. However, some students reported difficulty imitating presenters' polished delivery, which may set unrealistic standards. The study concludes that while TED talks serve as a powerful resource for improving public speaking, they should complement practice and personalised coaching to meet individual needs. This investigation contributes to the integration of technology for skill development and offers educators insights for enhancing students' public speaking skills.