ANALYSIS OF RHETORICAL SPEAKING ABILITY OF STUDENTS AT SMK MUHAMMADIYAH RAPPANG

Jusrianto Jala; Abd kahar

Authors

Jusrianto Jala Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang
Abd kahar Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang

Keywords:

: rhetorical speaking, speaking ability, vocational high school, ethos, pathos, logos

Abstract

Rhetorical speaking is an important competence for vocational high school students because it supports the ability to convey ideas systematically, logically, persuasively, and communicatively in classroom and professional-oriented communication. This study aims to describe the rhetorical speaking ability of students at SMK Muhammadiyah Rappang. The study employed a qualitative descriptive approach. The research subjects were 20 students selected purposively after participating in classroom presentation activities. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. The assessment covered mastery of material, organization of delivery, use of Indonesian, articulation, intonation, eye contact, expression and gestures, ethos, pathos, logos, and the ability to answer questions. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, while credibility was strengthened through source and technique triangulation. The findings indicate that students' rhetorical speaking ability is generally in the good category. Stronger aspects include mastery of material, organization, language use, articulation, eye contact, ethos, logos, and responding to questions. Intonation, expression and gestures, and pathos were categorized as adequate and still require strengthening. The main challenges were nervousness, monotonous intonation, limited body-language variation, and arguments that were not always supported by relevant evidence. Continuous practice through presentations, discussions, debates, simulations, and structured feedback is therefore recommended to improve students' rhetorical speaking competence.

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