JurnalPost.com — Possessing expertise in a specific field is often considered the primary capital for achieving success in the professional world. A chef must be able to cook, an architect must understand building design, and a barista is expected to master coffee-brewing techniques. However, is technical expertise alone enough to help someone advance in their career?
In my opinion, the answer is not necessarily. There is one skill that is often considered trivial, yet it has a significant influence on a person's career development: the ability to speak or speaking skill.
A similar view was shared by Kemal Mochtar, a speaking coach, on the podcast Suara Berkelas with Bilal. In their conversation, Kemal explained why communication skills should not be associated solely with professions like emcees, radio announcers, or television presenters.
For a long time, the term public speaking has been understood in a limited way. When someone is advised to take a public speaking course, many immediately refuse because they feel they have no desire to become an MC or perform on stage.
In reality, the ability to speak is far broader than just performing in front of a crowd.
Kemal prefers to use the term speaking skill to describe this ability. Interestingly, changing the terminology makes people more open to learning it, even though the substance of the skills taught remains largely the same.
To me, this approach shows that how a need is presented can influence how someone receives it. Sometimes, the issue is not the benefit of the skill itself, but the perception that has already been formed.
Technical Expertise Needs Support from Communication Skills
Technical ability is indeed an important foundation for every job. However, that expertise will struggle to provide maximum benefit if a person is unable to explain ideas, present work results, or build communication with others.
Kemal views speaking skill as one of the most important supporting skills for various professions.
An architect, for example, might be able to produce an excellent building design. However, they still need the ability to explain the concept to a client so that the idea can be understood and accepted.
The same applies to a chef who wants to grow a culinary business. Beyond producing quality food, they need to be able to introduce their products, build relationships with customers, and convey the advantages of their business.
In my view, this need does not only apply to professionals working in offices.
Couriers, drivers, shop assistants, and field workers also require communication skills. The way they greet, provide information, and respond to customer questions can influence the level of trust in the service provided.
Perhaps their current jobs do not demand presentation skills in front of large crowds. However, when they gain the opportunity to become a coordinator, supervisor, or team leader, speaking skills will become increasingly necessary.
Therefore, learning communication skills early on is a form of investment in self-development.
Waiting until the skill is truly needed can make it difficult for someone when the opportunity finally arrives.
Good Ideas Can Fail Due to Delivery
Another interesting point from Kemal's discussion is the relationship between the quality of an idea and the ability to convey it.
A person can have a great idea, a quality product, or a beneficial solution. However, none of these will necessarily receive attention if they are not delivered in the right way.
In the professional world, the ability to explain ideas often becomes a crucial factor when someone is interviewing, proposing suggestions in a meeting, or presenting work to a superior.
This does not mean that someone who is good at speaking is necessarily more competent than those with high technical skills.
However, good communication can help others understand the actual competence a person possesses.
This is where speaking ability functions as a bridge between knowledge, skills, and opportunities.
Expertise gives a person something valuable to offer. Meanwhile, communication skills help that value be known and understood by others.
Nervousness Does Not Mean Incompetence
One of the biggest obstacles when someone wants to improve their speaking ability is nervousness.
Many people feel confident when chatting casually with friends or family, but suddenly lose their fluency when asked to speak at a formal event.
In the podcast, Bilal shared the experience of his uncle, who is known for being good at chatting with anyone. However, when he had to speak at a family member's engagement party, his uncle appeared stiff.
Kemal explained that such a situation can occur because a person is not used to facing specific speaking situations.
This means that nervousness does not always indicate that a person lacks communication skills.
Someone accustomed to casual conversation may not have experience delivering formal remarks. Conversely, someone who frequently gives presentations may find it easier to control their nerves because they understand the situation they are facing.
Kemal also touched on the assumption that introverts are not suited for public speaking.
In my opinion, this assumption needs to be corrected. An introverted personality does not automatically determine a person's ability to communicate.
A person might prefer a quiet atmosphere or small group interactions, but they can still develop presentation skills through practice and experience.
Therefore, phrases like "I'm an introvert, so I can't speak in public" should not be used as an excuse to stop trying.
Nervousness is better viewed as a challenge that can be managed, not as a limit to one's capabilities that cannot be overcome.
Speaking Skills Cannot Be Mastered Overnight
Kemal likens the process of learning to speak to learning how to cook.
Attending a one-day training session with a professional chef does not immediately make someone an expert cook.
The same applies to speaking skills. Knowing the theory of intonation, articulation, body language, and message structure does not necessarily make someone immediately confident when appearing before others.
These skills require repeated practice.
A person might still stutter during their first presentation. Others may struggle to structure sentences or feel uncomfortable being the center of attention.
However, that experience can be part of the learning process.
The more often someone practices with the right methods, the greater their chances of understanding their weaknesses and improving their communication style.
Nevertheless, practice also needs to be directed. A bad experience without evaluation and guidance can make someone more afraid to try.
Therefore, a learning environment that is supportive and provides constructive feedback is essential.
Schools, universities, and workplaces should provide more opportunities for individuals to practice communication skills.
Activities such as group discussions, presentations, interview simulations, and expressing opinions can be simple yet beneficial training tools.
Speaking Ability Is a Career Investment
The evolution of the professional world has made the need for communication skills increasingly widespread.
While public speaking training was once associated with broadcasters, emcees, or officials, these skills are now relevant for students, entrepreneurs, creative workers, and employees across various fields.
The ability to convey ideas is no longer just an extra skill for those who want to perform in public.
These skills have become an important part of building relationships, demonstrating competence, and opening up career development opportunities.
Kemal also reminded us of the importance of understanding how one's skills can provide economic value.
In my opinion, this perspective is interesting because it connects speaking ability to the broader development of one's potential.
One does not have to be a professional emcee to benefit from speaking skills. These abilities can help when offering products, negotiating, building professional networks, or advocating for an idea.
However, speaking ability should not be viewed as a replacement for primary expertise.
Good communication must still be supported by knowledge, competence, and responsibility for what is being conveyed.
Ultimately, technical expertise and communication skills are not two things that need to be pitted against each other. They can actually complement one another.
Possessing good skills allows a person to produce quality work. Meanwhile, the ability to speak helps others understand the results of that work.
Therefore, it is time to stop viewing speaking ability as a skill needed only by certain professions.
Everyone has a reason to learn it, especially those who want to develop themselves and prepare for broader career opportunities.
Because while being an expert in a field is important, the ability to explain that expertise to others also determines how far one's potential can grow.
The question now is, after mastering your primary skills, have you given equal attention to your communication abilities?
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