Do you believe you won’t need to speak publicly in your chosen field? It’s unlikely because ambitious people communicate more, not less, when advancing up the career ladder. Speaking and presenting to groups is commonplace. So, grapple with your fear of speaking now, in college; this way you will be confident once you enter the workplace.

Your Task. 

Interview one or two individuals in your professional field—in person, by e-mail, using social media (e.g., LinkedIn), or via Zoom, if your interviewee agrees. How is oral communication important in this profession? Does the need for oral skills change as one advances? What suggestions can your interviewees make to newcomers to the field for developing proficient oral communication skills? Discuss your findings with your class. Your instructor may ask you to complete your research as a team and prepare a written or oral report to be presented in class.