This study was aimed to explore EFL students’ experience in participating in an international speech contest. This study specifically focused on the factors causing public speaking anxiety when performing speech in an international speech contest and the used strategies to overcome their public speaking anxiety. The participants of this research were two EFL university students having experience in participating in an international speech contest. This research used narrative inquiry as to the research design. To collect the data, this research employed a questionnaire and interview. The data analysis used thematic analysis. Humiliation, preparation, physical appearance, rigid roles, personality traits, audience interest, unfamiliar role, mistakes, negative result, and unfamiliar environment were found to be the factors contributing to the EFL students’ public speaking anxiety. This research also found that the students used strategies to overcome their public speaking anxiety by preparing and practicing, modifying their thoughts and habits, visualizing success, activating relaxation responses, and using movement to minimize anxiety.
