The purpose of this study was to determine student perceptions about the role of emotional intelligence on the speaking ability of students of the English Department of UIN Walisongo Semarang. The research design is a qualitative descriptive research where the researcher presents the material in a descriptive form. Data collection using questionnaires and structured interviews. Completed by 27 students from class 2019-2022 English Language Education Department of UIN Walisongo Semarang. The results showed that the subject in this study was about students' perceptions of emotional intelligence in speaking performance in front of other people. There are three discussions about emotional intelligence, namely Self-Awareness is the capacity to understand your own emotions and how they affect your performance. secondly, Self-Management analyzes problems, sets goals, monitors potential time and environmental barriers, and applies rewards and punishments to control progress and achievement of goals. Third, Social Awareness is the Capacity to show consideration and caution while practicing empathy and understanding. As well as being able to understand opposing points of view, socially conscious people can handle a wide range of emotions and people skillfully.