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Public speaking anxiety (PSA) has become a growing concern that affects learners in higher education, particularly in non-native English-speaking contexts. There are 3 indicators of PSA, which are cognitive, behavioral, and physiological factors. Despite the alarming concern, PSA is heavily underexplored in the Malaysian educational context, particularly ones that apply a comprehensive, multi-dimensional framework. This study aims to gauge the learners’ perception of their public speaking anxiety and determine the relationship between all indicators. This quantitative study adapted the instrument developed by Bartholomay and Houlihan (2016), and it consists of 4 sections: demographic, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological. Data was collected via a purposive sampling method, with 446 undergraduates participating in the survey. The study revealed several key findings. Firstly, learners’ cognitive experiences of PSA are marked by fear of verbal breakdown, social judgment, and self-monitoring. Secondly, observations of learners reveal subtle behavioral factors, such as shaky hands, trembling, and avoiding eye contact. Thirdly, students mostly exhibit internal physical symptoms such as nervousness and a racing heart. The study also has proven that a strong, positive, and significant relationship was observed among all PSA indicators. Collectively, the study verifies several theories, such as Bartholomay and Houlihan’s (2016) three-factor model and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), especially in theoretical and pedagogical viewpoints. With properly designed initiatives based on these models, educators and institutions can understand better and mitigate public speaking anxiety in students.
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