Abstract:
This study is an action research. The purposes of the study are to investigate general characteristics, to identify related problems, and to determine factors affecting 16 - 18 year - old teenagers verbal and nonverbal personality in public speaking. Data were collected from 160 high -school students in 4 regions of Thailand. Using the communication personality evaluation form, the researcher observed and evaluated the student samples general communication characteristics, including verbal and nonverbal personalities. Results of the study revealed that the overall performance of the student samples communicative behaviors were generally good, whereas their verbal and nonverbal personalities were evaluated and found to be fair. Although the sample could communicate their thought and manage their emotional well, they needed to learn how to reduce their anxiety while speaking in public and learn how to use standard Thai usage and pronunciation. Factors which were found to have effects on teenagers verbal and nonverbal communicative personalities were gender, age, level of study, domicile, and family and school background.