Effects on the oral and non-verbal communication of university students after the pandemic: “mask fishing” and stage fright
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1762Keywords:
Oral communication techniques, Non-verbal communication techniques, Communication skills, Stage fright, Public speaking, face mask, Others' judgment, University educationAbstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed remote teaching and the subsequent use of masks in classrooms, affecting the acquisition of relevant communication skills among university students in the area of Social Sciences. Methodology: A quantitative questionnaire was applied to a sample of 153 students from the Faculty of Information Sciences (UCM), with each question accompanied by open space for reflection, in order to understand the participants' motivations in choosing their marked options. Results: Most students state sequelae in their communication competence, expressed a preference for online presentations where their stage fright and sense of vulnerability were reduced; the voluntary decision to wear a mask in the classroom was largely due to protection against the virus, but it never interfered with their perception of physical attractiveness. Discussion: The use of the mask hinders the reading of emotions, obstructs effective communication, and increases attractiveness. Conclusions: Online teaching and the subsequent use of masks in classrooms had consequences regarding communication skills, behaviors related to stage fright, external judgment, and physical attractiveness.
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