Abstract

This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of two counseling programs in reducing the level of Public Speaking Fear among Students at Nizwa University. To achieve the objective of the study, the researcher used Personal Report of Confidence as Speaker (PRCS) (Hook, Smith, & Valentiner, 2008). The final sample of the study consisting of (45) students was selected and randomly assigned into three study groups, each consisting of (15) students. The first study group was given a relaxation training program, the second experimental group was given a rational thinking training program based on Ellis theory (REBT), while the third program represented the control group. Results of the study indicated that both training programs were more effective at significance level (alpha= 0.05) in reducing Public Speaking Fear among the sampled students. No significant differences were found in the effectiveness of both training programs due to the interaction between experimental groups. Three weeks after the programs follow up data indicated that the sampled students in the experimental group retained their gains due to the participation in the tow counseling programs.