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Department of Speech Communication
Speech Communication Portfolio (with student and faculty images)

About the Portfolio

Basic Communication Courses

Student Learning SPC 103

Student Learning SPC 105

Student Voices

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

 

Why is communication important?

Why should you take a course in communication? First of all, students are required to take one of the basic courses that develop communication skills. This portfolio focuses on two of those courses: Interpersonal Communication (SPC 103) and Public Speaking (SPC 105). Not only do these courses meet requirements, but they also mold students into well-rounded individuals providing them with the skills they need for life.

University Requirements

In preparing students for life after college, the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences has desired characteristics that all students should acquire in order to have "the skills and knowledge necessary to be educated individuals, life-long learners, and responsible citizens." As part of these capabilities for communication, students should be able to:

  • Organize and express ideas clearly and appropriately;
  • Master standard use of written and oral communication;
  • Appreciate alternative forms of expression, including art, dance, music, and literature;
  • Distinguish between the medium and the message;
  • Listen, observe, interpret, and understand others.

The basic courses offered in speech communication supply students with the
skills they need to be well-rounded individuals and successful in their life's journey.

Skills for Life

So, maybe your major is engineering, computer science, or accounting. You don't really need a course in speech communication, right? WRONG. The communication skills learned in the basic communication courses are skills necessary for life.

What are the skills and qualities employers are looking for in job candidates?

Employers rate new-hire skills

Graph
Source: Job Outlook 2000, National Association of Colleges and Employers

Furthermore, these same employers rated communication skills as the #1 personal quality looked for in job candidates. In addition, teamwork skills, leadership skills, and interpersonal skills all made it into the top 10.

Regardless of your major or career choice, today's organizations are looking for people who can listen, write, persuade others, demonstrate interpersonal skills, gather information, and exhibit well-developed communication abilities. Taking a basic course in communication is the first step in making yourself more marketable in the workplace.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

URL: http://www.siue.edu/SPC/SPC_Portfolio/why.html
Published by: Department of Speech Communication
Last Update: April 3, 2002
Please submit comments/suggestions to Lesa Stern