The aim of the study was to find out the factors determining ESP students’ reticence in oral classroom activities and to find solutions to this problem.

Globalization and expansion of the EU has significant effect on the free movement of its citizens, capital and services. The English language is perceived as essential to modernization, better economic development and internationalization.

Therefore, most students tend to view the English Language as a tool which could help them to achieve their professional goals. The traditional system of training medical professionals does not stimulate creativity and effective language learning. It is necessary to create a new supportive environment and introduce innovative teaching strategies, which could help students change attitude towards oral classroom activities and improve their speaking skills (Brunevičiūtė R., Večkienė N.P., Braždžionytė J., Padaiga, Ž., 2004).

Most teachers report that they are commonly faced with students, who avoid speaking in ESP classes, although the performance of the same students in other language related activities (i.e. writing, reading or translation of professional texts) is quite good.

The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) to investigate the extent of the need for the students to develop their English Language communicative skills; (2) to project what the English language competences the respondents expect to acquire; (3) to point out the factors contributing to students’ speech anxiety; (4) to determine the preferred methods of teaching.

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