Page 37 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

4 Part 1 Foundations

We begin each new semester with an admission to our students. “We are well
aware of the fact that many of you seated here are in attendance only because
our class is required for your degree.” Next, we ask our students: “How many of
you believe the time spent with us studying the art and science of public speak-
ing could be more profi tably spent in classes more relevant to your major and
future success?”
We make the admission because we know many students would excuse them-
selves from our class if given a choice. We ask the question because we’ve learned,
through decades of teaching, that it’s one students often ask themselves.
So why is public speaking required of students at most colleges and univer-
sities across the United States? Wouldn’t it make greater sense for students to
take an additional course in their major or one where the connection to their
future success is obvious? For example, wouldn’t their time be better spent in
coursework facilitating their progress toward becoming an engineer, computer
scientist, information manager, investment banker, medical practitioner, Web
designer, or public school teacher?
Not necessarily, we tell our students. If they are willing to make even a mod-
est investment of their time and effort in our class, they will fi nd that speak-
ing effectively in public can (1) help them make better grades in other classes,
(2) make a difference on their resume, and (3) increase their lifetime of success
in their chosen profession.
People admire people who can think on their feet and deliver a powerful pre-
sentation. This knowledge and skill is so valuable that, in fact, employers con-
sistently rank it as one of the most desirable characteristics in their new and
1
seasoned employees. Knowledge and skill in public speaking is that important.
Further, this is true whether we’re talking about science and medicine, the law
and public service, education and the social sciences, and even the fi ne arts.

Professional speaker School principal Sandi Young Kashi nutritionist and spokes-
Keith Hawkins person and surfer Jeff Johnson