Links for Chapter 1:   Everyday Speaking

Communication Is An Essential Life Skill

Check out the findings of a poll commissioned by the National Communication Association.

The link "Talk is not Cheap" reports the negative consequences of a lack of communication for relationships. Another interesting finding is that only 24% of the people surveyed reported feeling comfortable in giving a public presentation. How would you respond to this survey?

The Value of Public Speaking Skills

The experience you’re about to gain through this public speaking course will be valuable throughout your career. The article "The Skills You Have....and the Skills They Want" by Michelle Tullier (part of the Monster.com career Web site) notes communication as an area you can improve while in college. A public speaking course is a first step in that process.

Public Speaking at Work

You’ll get back what you put into this class, and it’s a do-it-now or do-it-later opportunity. Those who fail to develop public speaking skills while students may spend significant time and money later to hone this important ability.

Investigate these consulting firms that specialize in communication skills training for executives, and look at how much you’d pay later for the equivalent of a few days of class now. Chambers & Asher Speechworks is a firm in Atlanta, Georgia, offering a range of communication skills workshops. If you think your tuition bill is high, consider what you’d pay a professional for a two-day workshop in persuasive speaking. A similar firm, Speakeazy.net   reports that 87% of all the money you earn in your lifetime is directly related to your communication skills!

Clearly, executives recognize the importance of communication to business success. The Executive Communications Group trains senior executives in the same skills you’ll be working on throughout this semester—information, persuasion, storytelling, delivery.

Careers in Public Speaking

Perhaps you would like to be a professional speaker. In order to join the National Speaker’s Association, its by-laws require that you "have made 20 paid presentations OR must have received $25,000 in speaking fees in the 12 months prior to applying for membership."

Another forum for professional speakers is The Speaker’s Platform. This agency represents individuals who extend their celebrity and influence through speaking at conferences and meetings.

You may also find professional speakers at the International Platform Association.Founded by renowned orator Daniel Webster, the association continues to support the art of platform speaking.

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