Enhancing English-Speaking Skills among Multimedia Communication Students at HUFLIT: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

This article explores the main difficulties faced by Multimedia Communication students at HUFLIT (Ho Chi Minh City University of Foreign Languages – Information Technology) in developing English-speaking skills, with particular attention to their self-assessed competence and learning needs. In the context of globalization and the rapid expansion of digital media, English-speaking skills have become increasingly important for university students, not only for academic purposes but also for future career orientation. A descriptive research design was adopted, drawing on data from classroom observations and a questionnaire survey to capture both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. The findings show that students face considerable challenges in speaking English, particularly speaking anxiety, low confidence, limited subject-specific vocabulary, unstable pronunciation, and weak speaking reflexes. Students generally rate their speaking ability at a moderate level and express clear needs for more interactive speaking activities, support with specialized vocabulary, detailed feedback from lecturers, and the integration of technology into speaking instruction. These findings offer practical evidence to support pedagogical adjustments that better reflect the characteristics and learning needs of Multimedia Communication students.