On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the English Education Department Student Association (EEDSA) of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), successfully conducted a student development program entitled **Speak Up Academy** with the theme “Speak With Confidence, Inspire With Communication.” The activity was held at the FKIP UMSU building and was attended by students from the second to the sixth semester of the English Education Study Program.
Speak Up Academy was organized as a platform to help students improve their public speaking, communication, and presentation skills. The program started at 2:00 PM WIB and continued until completion in an interactive, engaging, and enthusiastic atmosphere.
The session was delivered by Muhammad Rafi’i, S.Pd., M.A., a lecturer of the English Education Study Program at FKIP UMSU who also serves as the Head of the Language Center (Pusat Bahasa/PUSBA) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. During the session, he shared valuable insights and practical strategies on public speaking, effective presentation techniques, and confidence building in communication.
In addition to the presentation session, participants were also given opportunities to practice their speaking skills directly and participate in interactive discussions. Through these activities, students were encouraged not only to understand communication theories but also to apply them in real situations.
The Head of the English Education Study Program, Dr. Pirman Ginting, S.Pd., M.Hum., expressed his appreciation for the activity initiated by EEDSA. According to him, programs such as Speak Up Academy are very important in supporting students’ academic and non-academic development.
“The Study Program strongly supports student activities that enhance communication competence, confidence, and public speaking abilities. These skills are essential for students in facing future academic and professional challenges,” said Dr. Pirman Ginting.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of the English Education Study Program, Selamat Husni Hasibuan, S.Pd., M.Hum., Ph.D., emphasized that the Study Program will continue supporting positive and practical student development programs. He stated that students should be provided with opportunities to grow not only inside the classroom but also through organizational and skill-development activities relevant to today’s global demands.
The success of the activity was also supported by the active involvement of EEDSA members and committee organizers. Fatikah Rizky Cahya, Secretary of EEDSA, stated that Speak Up Academy was designed to create a supportive learning environment where students could practice communication skills and gradually build their confidence in public speaking. According to her, many students initially felt nervous and hesitant to speak in front of others, but through this program they became more motivated and encouraged to express their ideas confidently.
The Speak Up Academy program was successfully conducted with full support from the English Education Study Program of FKIP UMSU under the leadership of the Head and Secretary of the Study Program as part of their commitment to creating an active, creative, and supportive academic environment for students’ soft skill development.
Participants responded positively to the program. Many students felt more motivated to improve their public speaking abilities and become more confident in using English in academic and social contexts.
Through Speak Up Academy, both EEDSA and the English Education Study Program of FKIP UMSU hope that students will become more communicative, confident, and globally competitive in the future.
