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I am an English major. Two of the most important aspects of surviving a university-level English class are 1) being able to write well, and 2) being able to speak well. However, I see people all of the time in my classes who have mastered neither of these skills, and it bothers me considerably. The other conundrum is that somehow some of my fellow students have managed to become good writers, but horrible public speakers.
That is not my problem, however. I am an excellent public speaker and an excellent writer. *toot toot*
I've had the opportunity while here at university to see some interesting speakers--Gloria Steinem, Barbara Ehrenreich (Nickel and Dimed), Michael Cunningham (The Hours), and Karen Armstrong (Buddha, The Battle for God)--who are also writers. Given that public speaking is a huge part of what modern writers do, especially writers who address philosophical or political topics, it is no surprise that they were very good at it. I am just sad that I missed Naomi Wolf coming to campus a few months back. Boo.
I think that part of public speaking is the ability to organize one's thoughts in a coherent and cohesive manner, and to then express them in a way that one's audience understands. Some people let their nervousness get the best of them, and so lose their ability to communicate effectively. However, I think that if one is able to communicate well in the written medium, they are more likely to be able to translate that capability into speaking well.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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