Lessons for the Future: Is Public Speaking Still an Effective Skill in a Post-COVID-19 World?
With the possible easing of COVID-19 circuit-breaker measures, the return to physical interaction, our offices, and lunches with family seems closer. If you have been following the numerous articles/videos talking about how the world post-COVID-19 will never be the same, you may find yourself asking if your skillsets may be out-dated. Specifically, will skills such as public speaking or communication skills remain relevant in a world where face-to-face contact may remain reduced? Is it time to explore a new skill for the future?
Don’t worry, today’s article is not meant to scare you into running for the nearest public speaking course near you! Instead, we thought of unpacking the changes in the prevalence and significance of public speaking skills in the modern world – to help you make an informed choice on whether to continue your communication development or move on to something new. These trends may guide you to a more relevant and effective public speaking journey!
Let us dive into three trends we anticipate in the public speaking sphere!
📈 Trend #1:
Offline-Online Communication – Versatility
As public speaking and communications trainers ourselves, we believe that these skills still retain their relevance in the post-COVID-19 world. The question may no longer be about who can speak confidently in general. Instead, there may be a greater emphasis on communications versatility in a communicator’s ability to present both in an online and offline setting. Learning to straddle both contexts may be the key to the modern classroom or workplace.
We have shared previously about the different challenges an online communications setting brings. (Online Communications Tips) Communicators need to develop relevant skills or even adapt existing ones. One thing remains clear: we need to start thinking about how to compete in the future instead of the past. The move to the virtual platform means a vastly changed competitive landscape. In terms of communication, you are competing against a broader category of communicators who have moved their operations to the online stage (e.g. YouTubers, webinar training, content marketing). Everyone is competing for the limited attention span we have online. This means that the future communicator should know how to mould his/her public speaking skills to cater to the physical public and the virtual public.
📈 Trend #2:
Fresh Communication Canvas
The circuit-breaker measures in Singapore (and not to mention the various lockdown measures in other countries) is a pause in our usual communication habits. Instead of regular meet-ups, endless meetings, or tireless conversations, our communication settings are far reduced and controlled. Meetings are likely to be scheduled than spontaneous; pantry conversations are now planned gatherings between your colleagues. For some, it is now in their hands to manage their communications opportunities (e.g. tired of Zoom meetings? Choose not to attend the next one!).
This is an opportunity for communicators to pause, re-centre and re-learn our communication and public speaking skills. It is a reminder that we now have a fresh communication canvas to make our mark, as communicators, public speakers, or a presenter. With the extra time now, what can you learn to bring your communication skills to the next level? If you have been waiting for the opportunity to build up your theoretical understanding of public speaking skills, now is an opportune time to do so!
📈 Trend #3:
Unfair Advantage – Head Start
Of course, this article would not be complete without emphasising our belief that public speaking and communication skills remain relevant even in an online setting. As communicators, we need to prepare for the long-term future horizon instead of the immediate short-term implications. This means preparing for the modern world in the next 5 years and not just focus on the world after the circuit-breaker measures have ended.
In preparing this, what would be the communication habits or settings in the world 5 years from now? Will your current skills still apply? When you plan for the longer timeframe, you are more likely to set yourself up with an unfair advantage – a head start against your competitors in the same world. So, instead of jumping in blindly and picking up every single skill on offer online now, start to narrow your learning journey to skills that will be relevant in the long run!
*** Err…that’s the spirit…but we meant “head start” not “false start” ***
Final Thought:
Your Skills Remain Relevant!
As you can already guess from the article, the short answer to the title is a clear “Yes!”, but only if we approach the learning process with care. It is easy to get excited and jump at every opportunity that appears shiny and promises a better position in the future. But as communicators, we hold the discerning ability to decide how we want to pivot and present ourselves to the modern world. We hope that today’s sharing will help you in that process!
By The Way…
If you’re keen to take your public speaking & presentation skills (either business/corporate presentation or kids in-class presentation) to the next level so that you may public speak and present with flair and charisma, feel free to check out our offerings below!
For more about our Public Speaking Course for Adults :
https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/courses-and-programs/group-classes-for-adults/
For more about our Public Speaking Course for Kids / Children:
https://publicspeakingacademy.com.sg/group-classes-students-age-9-18/