Students’ Problems in Speaking Performance at Grade 10 Students of SMAN 11 Medan

This study investigated the problems faced by students in speaking performance
especially in classroom presentation. Specifically, it aims to find out what problems
that faced by students and the strategies they used to cope with the problems that
contribute to students’ problems in speaking performance. This study used the
descriptive qualitative method. The data were obtained through observation and
interview. The finding showed that through video recording of observation of the
students’ presentation process in the classroom, there were students who had
problems when they were delivering the presentation. When conducting the interview
with the students, it was confirmed that there were 15 students who had difficulty in
speaking performance, especially when making presentation in front of the class. The
result of the study showed that there were linguistic and nonlinguistic problems faced
by students in speaking performance. The linguistic problems are lack of vocabulary,
poor in pronunciation and lack of grammar. Meanwhile, the nonlinguistic problems
are lack of confidence, fear of making mistakes and apprehension of other evaluation.
In addition, the strategies used by students to cope with their problems in speaking
performance are preparation before presentation, relaxation, focus and positive
thinking.