By Nurul ‘Ain Othman

In Malaysia’s journey towards becoming a future-ready, innovation-driven nation, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continue to play a pivotal role.

From engineering labs to digital workshops, young minds are being trained to build, repair and innovate. Yet, behind the hum of machines and hands-on learning, an invisible barrier exists – the fear of speaking up.

This quiet struggle, known as communication apprehension, refers to the anxiety or hesitation a person feels when required to communicate with others, especially in public.

Among TVET undergraduates, this fear is more common than many realise. It’s not just about poor grammar or limited vocabulary; it’s about self-doubt, fear of judgment, and the worry of saying something wrong.

And this silent fear is costing them more than grades – it’s costing them confidence, opportunity and growth.

The price of silence

In every classroom, there are students who have brilliant ideas but hesitate to share them. They stay quiet during group discussions, avoid eye contact when volunteers are called, and dread public speaking and presentations. Their silence is often misunderstood as a lack of interest, when in truth, it is a symptom of fear.

A student may be excellent at designing a mechanical system or writing software code, yet the moment they are asked to explain their work to others, their voice trembles or disappears altogether. This isn’t a matter of capability; it’s a matter of confidence.

Over time, the habit of staying quiet becomes deeply ingrained. Each missed opportunity to speak reinforces the fear, creating what psychologists call a “cycle of avoidance”. The less one speaks, the more intimidating the next speaking task becomes. Eventually, even everyday communication – like greeting a supervisor or asking a question in class – can feel daunting.

The consequences are significant. A graduate who struggles to communicate may find job interviews intimidating, team meetings overwhelming, and workplace presentations nearly impossible to navigate. Employers often observe that some of their most technically skilled recruits struggle to express their thoughts clearly or share ideas confidently. In a world that values teamwork and leadership, silence can close doors before a graduate even steps through them.

When confidence outweighs competence

It’s often said that confidence opens more doors than competence alone. The working world expects graduates to do more than perform tasks – it expects them to explain, justify, and present their ideas. Being able to speak persuasively is no longer a bonus; it’s part of the job.

Yet, many TVET students enter the workforce having had very little chance to practise speaking in authentic settings. Their academic journey focuses heavily on technical mastery, assessments, and production tasks, while communication often remains confined to written reports or brief oral assessments. As a result, students who are otherwise brilliant at their craft may find themselves shrinking in moments that require verbal expression.

This issue is particularly challenging for students who have grown up in environments where English is rarely spoken. When they step into classrooms or workplaces that expect English communication, the pressure doubles – they are not only thinking about what to say, but how to say it “correctly”. The fear of making linguistic mistakes overshadows the desire to express ideas, and so they choose to remain silent.

But true communication is not about flawless English or native-like fluency. It is about being clear, respectful, and confident. It is about connecting ideas to people. The moment we begin equating communication with perfection, we exclude voices that deserve to be heard.

Changing the classroom culture

To overcome communication apprehension, small but consistent changes in classroom culture can make a big difference. When educators create safe spaces for students to express themselves – free from harsh correction or ridicule – students are more likely to take risks. Low-stakes speaking activities, like short reflections or group discussions, help them build confidence gradually.

When lecturers respond with encouragement rather than criticism, students feel validated. The act of being heard – even imperfectly – reinforces the belief that their voice matters. Over time, fear is replaced with familiarity, and familiarity breeds confidence.

In classrooms where communication is naturally integrated into every subject – from explaining a design process to presenting a project – students begin to see speaking as part of learning, rather than an added burden. These moments also remind them that communication is not separate from technical skill; it is the bridge that connects knowledge to understanding.

Building courage beyond the classroom

The ability to communicate effectively extends far beyond the classroom. Students who learn to speak with confidence carry that skill into interviews, workplaces, and leadership roles. They are able to explain their ideas, collaborate with colleagues, and make their presence felt. Communication, in this sense, becomes a form of empowerment.

Even outside formal education, opportunities to practise speaking should be encouraged – in student clubs, peer projects, and community activities. Speaking up in small, supportive groups can gradually desensitise students to the fear of public communication. The goal is not to eliminate fear entirely, but to teach students to manage it – to speak despite the nerves, rather than waiting until the fear disappears.

Technology as an ally

Technology, too, can play a quiet but powerful role in helping students overcome apprehension. Video reflections, self-recorded presentations, and AI-powered feedback tools allow learners to practise privately before facing an audience. For many who fear embarrassment, this private rehearsal space serves as a stepping stone towards public confidence. The more they see and hear themselves communicate, the more comfortable they become in owning their voice.

The role of empathy

Perhaps the greatest influence, however, lies in empathy. When teachers, mentors, and peers approach communication anxiety with understanding rather than judgment, students begin to believe that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. A simple reassurance - “It’s okay, just try” – can sometimes make all the difference.

Every student who dares to speak, no matter how hesitant, is taking a step towards confidence. When we recognise and celebrate that effort, we transform classrooms into places of growth rather than fear.

Empowering the next generation

As Malaysia continues to strengthen its TVET system, it is vital that communication skills be treated not as optional, but as essential. The nation needs graduates who can both do and say – who can articulate technical ideas with clarity and confidence.

Communication apprehension is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that many students have never been taught to see their voice as a tool of empowerment. Once they learn to use it, they discover that speaking up is not about perfection – it’s about participation.

When students find their voice, they begin to take ownership of their learning and their future. They become more employable, more adaptable, and more capable of leadership.

When fear silences talent, we all lose. But when we give our students a voice, we give them more than confidence – we give them a future filled with possibilities.

-- BERNAMA

Nurul ‘Ain Othman is a Language Teacher at the Centre for Language Studies, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).