Lack of communication skills leaves UK graduates naked in the workplace

If you assume that public speaking is an important skill why does it follow that it should be taught in universities. What about the students who go onto other forms of HE or none at all? If something is genuinely required in a range of careers the most sensible place for it is in the school curriculum. The UK is unusual in not requiring students to study their native language until the end of schooling. English is optional at A-levels, maybe that is the problem. In HE students can be given opportunity to build on those skills. It depends on what scope you consider "public speaking" to cover. Is giving a presentation in a small group session included? Where does the responsibilities of the various education levels start and end? What is the role of the employer in providing training in capabilities that they want of their staff?

Oddly enough, this very afternoon I'll be holding a meeting with colleagues to plan the delivery of a module that combines ethics and presentation skills for computer scientists. We aim to give them the tools to form a reasoned opinion and then to express that opinion and argue the case for it. This is for first year students and it will be reinforced during succeeding years, culminating in the presentation of their final year project work.

Agree with the above - if students are unwilling/lacking confidence when they arrive at University it is almost impossible to "force" them to do it - reasonable adjustments requiring alternative forms of assessment will be in place for some, others will believe they can already do it and "skip" these sessions or label as "a waste of time" (not knowing how key this skill is for the future) and the unrelenting power of the NSS stick means its just easier to not do it and put energy to other more pressing sticks. However, changing minds form early on in educational experience so that it becomes more accepted and comfortable for individuals to speak is certainly worth while - so that means primary school upwards so that all can learn equally, not suddenly coming in at university and not other forms of post-18 education/training

When you "force" students to do things, please bear in mind the experiences that Bristol had and the need to provide reasonable adjustment. Not everyone wants to stand centre stage. https://www.theguardian.com/education/2022/may/20/bristol-university-found-guilty-of-failings-over-death-of-student-natasha-abrahart and https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-61534460 Perhaps this sort of thing should be done a little more gently earlier in the education process rather than at what may be a very stressful time in life?

Speaking as a recent graduate, it's incredible how many students at my institution (Top 5 UK) had incredible academic skills, were typical A*A*A* students who breezed through university, but felt uncompensated for their hard work and academic skills by the job market after university. Ultimately, communication skills are not just a "skill" for the workplace, but a requirement for universities to produce the best graduates, who can secure the best jobs. There's no need to 'force' this upon students, but universities need to at least give the option of learning these skills outside of a group presentation, these are institutions who are supposed to be filled with the most aspirational students, who know that presentation skills are key for life after uni.

I totally agree with a previous comment that presentation skills should be taught in schools. Being able to present a point clearly is an important skill which can be encouraged and nurtured at school and then continued at university (should the person wish to attend). Incidentally I was sad to hear that the debating club at the secondary school my partner works at no longer runs. Humanities subjects which require clear communication and persuasive writing are the antidote to the STEM bias which the UK government has peddled for many years.

Thanks for all the thoughtful reading of, and comments on, my article. I agree: teaching public speaking in schools would be ideal. But the curriculum is so prescribed and intense, I wonder if most schools would be able to find the time. Anyway, I appreciate the support for my argument, however it might be put into practice.