THE ROLE OF THE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN TEACHING EFL SPEAKING TO 15-YEAR-OLD (10th GRADE) STUDENTS

Emotional intelligence (EI) has gained increasing attention in educational research due to its significant influence on students’ academic performance, motivation, and communication skills. In the context of teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), speaking is often considered the most challenging skill for adolescent learners, particularly 15-year-old students in the 10th grade. This article explores the role of emotional intelligence in teaching EFL speaking, emphasizing how emotional awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills contribute to students’ speaking confidence, classroom interaction, and overall communicative competence. The study highlights the importance of emotionally intelligent teaching practices in creating a supportive learning environment that enhances students’ willingness to speak English.