Speakers
Description
Rizal Technological University
arianenicoledacula@gmail.com
This study explores how discourse markers and hand gestures enhance coherence in academic oral presentations among L2 learners. Using a qualitative design, video presentations of ten second-year English majors were analyzed through Creswell’s (2012) six-step framework and multimodal discourse analysis. Results show that markers like “so,” paired with gestures such as pointing and open-handed movements, improve transitions, emphasize key points, and engage audiences. These verbal and nonverbal elements function together to build coherence.The study also recommends incorporating gesture and discourse marker training in teacher education and encourages further research on multimodal communication in cross-cultural contexts.