 In this video, we will explore some of the benefits of studying public speaking so that you can have a better understanding of why improving your public speaking skills is a worthwhile endeavor. So why is it that we study public speaking in the first place? Many of you, if not most of you, are taking this class solely because it's a requirement for your major. So maybe we should ask instead, why is this class a requirement for my major? Well, there are three ways in which public speaking can and likely will benefit your life. Personal benefits, professional benefits, and societal benefits. First, let's focus on you individually and the personal benefits that public speaking can bring. Most immediately, public speaking can help you be successful in college. Studies show that the skills related to effective public speaking increase knowledge and retention of information through research and listening, improve critical thinking, train your brain to think more clearly in a structured way, improve your listening skills, and build confidence in general. Public speaking can also help in other courses that require you to give a presentation or an oral report. And let's not forget that the same elements of communication that make an effective public speaker are the same elements that make effective interpersonal communicators. These skills are transferable to many other areas of your life. As for the professional benefits of public speaking, the skills you develop in this course can help you get and keep a job. Public speaking skills are highly transferable to interviewing skills. Effective communication skills will also enhance your ability to work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers, enabling you to keep your job and possibly even advance within your organization. Communication skills are also universally necessary to be effective in the workplace, regardless of your career field. Take a moment to consider ways in which public speaking can benefit you in your career. Go ahead, I'll wait. If you need more time to answer that question, feel free to pause the video now. Otherwise, let's continue. Public speaking also carries broader societal benefits. First, it's a skill that can help your voice be heard, which is vital in a democratic republic form of government like that of the United States. Secondly, developing effective public speaking skills can help you spread awareness on important issues impacting your organization, town, country, and beyond. What if you have a concern about something that is going on at your child's school and need to speak in front of the school board? Or you have a passion for supporting a particular non-profit organization and are given an opportunity to address a group or crowd on their behalf? Take a moment to write down a list of all the people that you can think of in your community who regularly give speeches. Don't list specific names, but rather list roles like teachers, politicians, etc. What impact do these people have in the community? How do their public speaking skills assist them? And how might developing more effective public speaking skills allow you to have a similar impact? I'll give you a moment again. If you need more time to answer those questions, feel free to pause the video now. Otherwise, let's continue. In this video we explored some of the benefits of studying public speaking, including personal benefits, professional benefits, and societal benefits, so that you can have a better understanding of why improving your public speaking skills is a worthwhile endeavor. You can check out some of our other videos for more insight into the public speaking process.