Penguatan Keterampilan Komunikasi Efektif Penyuluh Agama Islam Kota Binjai

Abstract

Strengthening Effective Communication Skills Among Islamic Religious Counselors İn Binjai City. Islamic extension workers play an important role in conveying Islamic values and raising public awareness. However, this role is not carried out effectively due to poor public speaking skills, lack of confidence, and fear of communicating in front of an audience. Previous public speaking training conducted by several researchers has focused more on technical aspects, which are still limited. This study aims to strengthen effective communication skills through the integration of psychology by reinforcing positive thinking and self-confidence as well as public speaking techniques. This is in line with the predicted hypothesis that public speaking training based on psychological and technical aspects significantly increases self-confidence and alleviates the fear of speaking in public. The method used in this study was Participatory Action Research (PAR) involving 28 Islamic extension workers in Binjai City. The activities carried out consisted of three stages: the first stage was problem identification, which included observation and interviews; the second stage involved conducting a pre-test, delivering material, and practising opening, body, and closing techniques; and the final stage was evaluation and post-test. The data were analysed using bivariate and univariate methods and the dependent T-test was used to analyse the data at a 95% confidence level. Participant involvement was assessed through active participation in discussions, task completion, and role-playing. The results showed a significant improvement in public speaking skills and self-confidence (mean pre-test 34.22 to 88.93; p-value 0.000 ≤ 0.05). Participants also experienced a decrease in speaking anxiety and were able to apply a systematic message delivery structure. Training that integrates psychological aspects (positive self-identity and self-talk) with technical skills results in more effective changes in communication behaviour. These findings reinforce the theory that effective public speaking requires a combination of psychological foundations and technical strategies. In conclusion, PAR-based public speaking training effectively improves the communication skills of religious counsellors through active participant engagement and psychological reinforcement. This programme is recommended for replication on a wider scale and integration into the competency development of religious counsellors in government agencies and religious institutions.