Batang (28/07/2024) – Public speaking is a crucial skill to master today, as it has a significant impact on various aspects of life. Learning public speaking is important from an early age, including for junior high school students (SMP). At this age, students are in a developmental stage where communication skills play an increasingly important role in daily life. Mastering public speaking can boost their confidence, critical thinking, and social skills.

The importance of mastering public speaking skills from junior high school prompted Anjelica Yumiko, a student from Universitas Diponegoro’s KKN Team II for the 2023/2024 academic year, to implement a monodisciplinary program titled “Education to Improve Public Speaking Skills” at SMP Al-Ikhlas, Tegalsari Village, Kandeman District, Batang Regency, on July 22, 2024. This idea, proposed by the undergraduate Communication Science student, resulted from observations and interviews conducted with the teaching staff at SMP Al-Ikhlas. According to the data obtained, many students still lack confidence in public speaking, highlighting the need for more education and training in this area.

This activity was attended by 107 new students of SMP Al-Ikhlas for the 2024/2025 academic year as part of the School Orientation Period (MPLS) activities. Anjelica encouraged the SMP Al-Ikhlas students to better understand public speaking. The educational material covered definitions, examples, benefits, techniques, and tips to improve public speaking skills. Additionally, the students were invited to practice public speaking directly by introducing themselves and sharing their aspirations in front of the class. The session was interactive and received positive enthusiasm from the students. The presentation concluded with a Q&A session and the distribution of posters summarizing tips for enhancing public speaking skills.

This program aims to boost the confidence of SMP Al-Ikhlas students in speaking publicly, such as confidently answering questions, telling stories in front of the class, or more boldly expressing their aspirations and opinions. Indirectly, this skill is also expected to encourage students to be more active in various activities they participate in, such as extracurricular activities or other events.

Author: Anjelica Yumiko Lianto Liang, Bachelor of Communication Science 2021, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
Supervisor: Zani Anjani Rafsanjani HSM. S.Si., M.Sc.
KKN Location: Tegalsari Village, Kandeman District, Batang Regency