Don't you think the kids in Singapore really lack the much needed oral communication skills needed in the future when they start going into the labour force?
Just take a look at this video and be amazed at how a 13 year old communicates with an adult. The fluency and confidence just shine through man.
Pick any 13 year old in Singapore and conduct just a casual conversation, I think they can hardly reach this standard. How can the education system be revamped so that we are more daring and confident to speak up and voice our views?
It's not only the kids in Singapore who lack such communication skills, some adults waver in their speeches even in their 20s, 30s when asked for an opinion.
1 comment:
Clear thought precedes clear speech and writing. Being passionate about ideas (on e.g. musical, literary, sports, philosophy), and having a willingness to examine and understand them deeply is a priori to effective communication, be it oral or written.
The majority of Singaporean kids (I'm making a very wide generalisation) are not willing to make this intellectual sacrifice. Thinking requires time, space and extended attention. These are now scarcely afforded to our youth for many reasons. Hence they do not have much internalised experience to communicate to others in a coherent manner.
This should not be confused with what is popularly termed as "communication/presentation skills" which many schools now attempt to teach. No amount of such technical "communication skills" can replace the necessity for sustained thought and discussion.
To see what I mean, just think of the activity/subject you're most interested/skilful in. I'm sure you're able to speak much more fluently about it than something you have no concern for. Communicating your ideas on this activity comes naturally.
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