English Language Proficiency and Public Speaking Competence Among Criminology Students

Effective communication has become an essential competency for criminology professionals, making English language proficiency and public speaking competence critical learning outcomes in higher education. This study examined the relationship between English language proficiency and public speaking competence among second-year criminology students enrolled in a private higher education institution in the Philippines. Specifically, it assessed students' English language proficiency in terms of grammar accuracy, vocabulary range, pronunciation, reading comprehension, listening, and writing, as well as their public speaking competence in content organization, delivery, language use, and audience engagement. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design involving 167 respondents selected through total population sampling. Data were gathered using a researcher-developed instrument that underwent expert validation, pilot testing, and reliability analysis. Descriptive statistics (weighted mean) and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that the respondents demonstrated an overall Threshold level of English language proficiency (MPS = 73.28%), with listening obtaining the highest proficiency (MPS = 87.31%) and writing the lowest (MPS = 61.56%). Public speaking competence was generally at the Developing level (MPS = 66.59%), with delivery receiving the highest rating (MPS = 73.83%) and content organization the lowest (MPS = 58.74%). Correlation analysis indicated a statistically significant but very weak positive relationship between English language proficiency and public speaking competence (r = 0.153, p = 0.048), suggesting that while language proficiency contributes to public speaking performance, other factors such as confidence, exposure, and communication anxiety also influence oral performance. The findings underscore the need for integrated instructional programs that simultaneously strengthen English language skills and public speaking competence to enhance the academic and professional preparedness of criminology students.