PELATIHAN SOFT SKILL MELALUI PUBLIK SPEAKING BAGI ANAK PANTI ASUHAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEPERCAYAAN DIRI DAN KEMANDIRIAN DI PANTI ASUHAN YATIM/PIATU AL-HASANAT

Abstract

A crucial strategy for preparing children in orphanages for the challenges of the workforce and higher education is developing soft skills through public speaking training. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of public speaking-based soft skills training on the self-confidence, communication skills, and independence of children at the Al Hasanat Orphanage in South Jakarta. This community service program (PKM) targeted 33 children (12 from junior high school and 21 from vocational high school). The results showed that the interactively designed training, which involved hands-on practice, significantly improved the participants' public speaking skills, courage, and self-confidence. While junior high school participants began to discover their interests, although they remained general, vocational high school participants showed more focused development in career planning. However, key challenges lay in long-term career planning strategies and limited access to college information. The study found that a training method based on one-on-one discussions and hands-on practice was effective in improving the soft skills of children living in orphanages.