Numbers of studies have investigated the importance of individual differences in predicting success in second language learning and communication. This study considered the possible relationship between trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), second language speaking anxiety(SLSA), willingness to communicate (WTC), and gender. For this purpose, 72 students majoring English teaching at the University of Kurdistan in Sanandaj were randomly selected, and given Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT) as a test of homogeneity. Afterward, 51 students (17 male and 34 female) participated in this study. Data were collected from three measures namely TEIQue-SF, WTC scale, and SLSA scale which the last one is derived from foreign language classroom anxiety scale (FLCAS). To analyze the gathered data, statistical methods including Univariate statistics and Pearson Correlation were utilized in the aim of obtaining descriptive and correlational results. The analyses revealed that there is a significant relationship between trait EI and SLSA, and the result of ANOVA test indicated that trait EI significantly predicts SLSA, this an indication of the potential power of trait EI with reference to second language learning process.
