CEOs and other C-suite executives that I have worked with place a high value on these two skills.
First, let me share a short story to help you understand my perspectives.
Speaking, particularly in front of large crowds, is something that only a few people can do well. I was a skinny kid growing up, and I was always afraid to speak up in front of people. Not how I say it, but how I appear is what matters.
People used to make fun of my long arms and skinny legs when I was 6.3. I remember putting on two or three shirts to make myself appear a little bigger. I preferred, therefore, more likely to stay at home.
On the bright, my father was a voracious fiction reader. Sacks of novels were stacked on one side of the old room, as I recall, and he receives certain subscriptions on a monthly or occasionally biweekly basis.
He, however, did not like the idea of me starting to read novels or fiction stories. After finishing the tenth grade — or, I think, the ninth — my father joined the police. But having been raised in an Asian culture, he was fully conscious of the power of the English language. Therefore, he bought me a couple of books on how to improve my English language.
Being skinny, I was always the one to avoid interactions with others and read many of the books Dad bought me and the novels when he wasn’t around. I read nearly everything written, including articles from newspapers and books available at home.
Everyone has natural abilities in certain areas. Reading skills proved to be very helpful to me later in my career. I had no trouble forming the habit of reading, but to my goodness, I struggled with developing my communication skills.
Long story short, these are the top two skills you need to develop to grow professionally and personally.
Group 1 — Writing
Group 2 — Speaking
After all, communication is the backbone of everything in life and business.
Before jumping into improving my communication and writing skills, allow me to recall Warren Buffett, the legendary investor. Warren’s net worth is more than $121 billion as of today. Here is one of his favorite quotes.
The one easy way to become worth 50 percent more than you are now — at least — is to hone your communication skills — both written and verbal. — Warren Buffett
Writing
If you can’t communicate, it’s like winking at a girl in the dark — nothing happens. You can have all the brainpower in the world, but you have to be able to transmit it. — Warren Buffett
Importance of writing
A study by the National Commission on Writing shows that American businesses spend $3.1 billion annually to train their staff to write effectively.
These are a couple of industries that require writing as one of the requirements to apply for the job:
- Finance
- Real estate
- Insurance
- Marketing
- Health care
Warren emphasizes mastering both skills: speaking and writing. Your success is hiding in written communication like Medium top writers.
English is my third language, and I am learning a lot about conveying my message through writing. Writing is a challenging fix; it takes time to polish writing skills. It may become one of your secrets to success.
Benefits that writing gives you
- You will gain awareness of your reality.
- You will be more productive.
- You will communicate with clarity.
- You will learn a lot.
- You will eliminate stress.
- You will be happier.
- You will live a more focused life.
- You will have a lot of written memories to cherish with family and friends.
- You will overcome challenging moments faster.
- Writing will help you to become more creative.
- Writing is one of the best exercises for the mind.
- Writing makes you a better thinker.
I must say the Medium platform is helping polish my writing skills a lot. It’s my best decision to start writing on this platform. There is a lot to learn from highly accomplished writers.
Writing is a maker of high-skill, high-wage, professional work. People who cannot express themselves clearly in writing limit their professional, salaried employment opportunities. — Bob Kerrey, Chairman
National Commission on Writing report also analyzes that employers proactively reject candidates if they show poor writing skills during hiring.
Always double or triple-check your cover letter and resume before submitting them for the job to ensure there are no spelling or sentence errors.
Public speaking
I was terrified of public speaking when I was in high school and college. — Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett took a public speaking course at Dale Carnegie to hone his public speaking skills when he was young.
A few years ago, I took a Dale Carnegie course. It was efficient training. Recently, I also attended a workshop to refresh my approaches and abilities.
Dale Carnegie training centers have always provided highly qualified teachers who make learning a delightful experience. My lecturer was an expert in public speaking and made the class fun.
You should expect to stand up in front of the group to polish your public speaking skills. It’s one of the best courses in North America to help you overcome your public shyness.
Dale Carnegie training is not cheap, but affordable options are available, like Toastmasters clubs.
However, I highly recommend joining the club and participating in person. Therefore, you can have the opportunity to stand up in front of the class to deliver your speech.
I actually have the diploma in the office. And I don’t have my diploma from college, I don’t have my diploma from graduate school, but I have got my Dale Carnegie diploma there because it changed my life. — Buffett
Benefits that public speaking gives you
- Helps to improve your research skills
- Boost your career
- Build your confidence
- Helps to improve your critical skills
- Improve your oral communication skills
- Helps to expand your network
- Develop your leadership skills
- Helps to expand your vocabulary
- Helps to become a better listener
The bottom line
Invest in yourself!
Use simple English to hone your communication skills.
Ensure you can properly communicate your message in speaking and writing.
- For writing, as you are already a reader, start to write on Medium to share your life experiences and polish your writing skills.
- For speaking, I highly recommend Dale Carnegie training and Toastmasters.
- Hiring managers want more than just job-specific skills. To impress your potential employer, show your writing skills.
Book recommendation: How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Publis Speaking
Thank you for reading. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
