The Importance of Language Skills

One of the most alarming trends in education today is the decline in reading, writing and speaking proficiency. Unfortunately the cause is more easily discernable than the solution. The three major causes are TV/Cable, Video Games and the Internet. These societal trends are an increasing, though dubious influence in most student's lives and can have an adverse effect on career expectations, beginning with the interview process.

As the job market narrows distinguishing your self above the crowd becomes of paramount importance. Every detail needs to be polished, your resume, attire and most especially your speaking skills. In addition to first impressions based on your physical presentation (attire, posture, smile and handshake), employers are quite impressed with articulate candidates. That knowledge alone is of profound importance. Having interviewed dozens over the years, I can assure the competition is either unaware or simply uncaring about the basic elements of style, presentation and communication.

Here's what you need to know. The interviewer looks at your body language and listens to how you speak. After the interview is long over, the interviewer will remember 80% of how you said, what you said, but only 20% of what you said. Let me put that another way, how you deliver the message is more vital than the message itself. It's the sizzle that sells the steak and the aroma that sells the pie.

It is never too early to start improving your vocabulary and speaking skills. One of the simplest ways to build your vocabulary is learn a new word every day. If that's too ambitious try a new word a week. The time invested in this endeavor will reward you many times over. Becoming a good speaker requires patience and practice. There is an old adage that says you can't be a good salesperson unless you own a tape recorder. Remember we are always 'selling,' whether it's an item or ourselves. Practicing with a tape recorder, before a mirror, is the second step to becoming an engaging speaker. The first step, of course, is a vibrant vocabulary. I strongly recommend joining an organization like Toastmasters, to help you develop self confidence and further enhance your ability to communicate. Caution - don't become supercilious with your new superlative skills.