Although some people might think that it is not possible to succeed as a communication major if one has fear of public speaking, that is not actually true for three reasons. The first group of reasons has to do with the changing nature of the communication major, the second group with technological change, and the third group with the nature of the fear itself.
Communication As A Discipline
In 1997 the leading scholarly organization in the field of communication studies changed its name from the Speech Communication Association to the National Communication Association. This change reflected an increasing diversity in communication studies, moving away from a model emphasizing public speaking to one addressing diverse subfields including:
- business and technical communication
- interpersonal communication
- digital rhetorics
- journalism
- mass media
- communication disorders
Students can specialize in many different fields within the discipline. For example, a student interested in journalism might focus on writing for print and digital media, fields that require no expertise in public speaking, rather than broadcast journalism. Business and technical communication are also fields that rarely require public speaking.
Technological Change
The discipline of communication studies can trace its history back to ancient rhetoric, the study of public speaking that originated in classical Greece. In this period, literacy was a new invention. Very few people could read or write in antiquity. This meant that the focus of ancient rhetoric was the study of public speaking. Even written texts were intended to be read aloud rather than read privately and silently. The technologies of communication have evolved considerably over the past two millennia. Literacy has become close to universal in developed nations and digital media are becoming ubiquitous. Although some fields such as politics still require public speaking, in many other careers skill in using social media is far more important than standing up and giving a talk in front of a live audience.
Ranking:Top 20 Best Online Communications Degree Programs
The Nature of Fear
Stage fright is perfectly natural. Although some people may be comfortable standing up and speaking in front of a live audience, many others find the situation uncomfortable or scary. Often when people say they dislike public speaking they mean that they are frightened by it. The key to overcoming this fear is developing confidence through practice. Introductory courses in speaking are designed to help students build basic skills to overcome these fears. Even students who have no desire to make a career of public speaking can benefit from learning how to manage a five-minute presentation. Increasingly, though, it is also possible to focus on technologically mediated speech, in which one produces videos rather than speaking live, as digital speeches can reach far wider audiences than ones given in front of a live audience.
Public Speaking and the Communication Major
Students who have a fear of public speaking have several options for a major in communication studies. They can choose a specific path through the major that focuses on other forms of communication. They can avoid public speaking by taking any required courses that involve speaking in an online format. Finally, they can overcome their fears by taking introductory courses designed for the specific purpose of helping people overcome such fears.
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FAQs
Students who have a fear of public speaking have several options for a major in communication studies. They can choose a specific path through the major that focuses on other forms of communication. They can avoid public speaking by taking any required courses that involve speaking in an online format.
Do people regret majoring in communications? ›
Journalism: 87% Sociology: 72% Liberal arts & general studies: 72% Communications: 64%
What degree is best for communication? ›
A communications bachelor's provides students with the skills to become effective communicators in a variety of public and professional contexts. Most bachelor's programs require between 120 and 128 credits, which typically take four years to complete.
Can a shy person major in communication? ›
Careers in the communications field generally require strong interpersonal skills and a desire to work with people, which are things introverts cannot do comfortably or for long periods of time. However, introverts can and do enjoy successful careers in communications.
How difficult is communications major? ›
Communications, like any major, can vary in difficulty depending on the individual and the school's specific program. Generally, the communications major is considered to be less demanding compared to fields like engineering or hard sciences, but that doesn't mean it's easy.
What is the most regretted degree? ›
The most-regretted college major is journalism, according to the study. Eighty-seven percent of those graduates sampled said they would choose a different major if they could. Below is the list of the top 10 most-regretted majors based on the 1,500 job seekers ZipRecruiter surveyed.
What is the least regretted college major? ›
The least regretted college majors, which graduates would choose all over again, are reportedly Computer and Information Sciences, Criminology, Engineering, Nursing, Health, Business Administration and Management, Finance, Psychology, Construction Trades, and Human Resources Management.
Is it hard to get a job with a communications degree? ›
Communication skills are usually valuable in any industry, from marketing and public relations to politics, journalism and entertainment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts media and communication occupations to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Is a communications degree a lot of writing? ›
Because there's so many areas within communications, students usually choose a specific track to pursue. Regardless of their particular focus, all communications majors develop strong writing and speaking skills.
Is a BA or BS in communication better? ›
Offered as a BA or BS, both communication degrees are effective in preparing online students for a wide range of career opportunities. However, deciding which degree path to pursue can be a personal choice based on your individual career goals.
Related majors for introverts include statistics and mathematics. With backgrounds in actuarial science, graduates can pursue work in many high-paying jobs. Actuarial careers appeal to introverts with strong analytical skills.
Can an introvert work in communication? ›
Even in communications fields such as journalism, public relations, advertising and marketing, there are introverts who not only exist, but even thrive. This provokes the question of how someone who is drained by interacting with others could choose to make a living solely off their ability to communicate with others.
What do psychologists say about shyness? ›
Researchers find that it's often best for people to acknowledge their shyness and try to release themselves from feeling self-conscious. A number of concrete strategies can boost social confidence. Instead of avoiding social events, shy people can schedule them in advance and practice their social skills ahead of time.
Why would anyone major in communications? ›
A communication degree is a great way to prepare yourself for a career in fields ranging from media relations and journalism to marketing, corporate communication and many more.
How do I know if I should major in communications? ›
6 Signs a Communications Degree Might Be Right For You
- You're naturally curious about the people and world around you.
- You're outgoing and always enjoying meeting and connecting with new people.
- You're a strong writer and comfortable talking about and presenting your ideas.
According to research and sustained market dynamics, communication professionals are in demand, and leaders in the industry can command salaries that top $100,000.
Is communications a respected major? ›
Communication Majors are in High-Demand. Communication is one of the top degree paths for students to pursue, and for good reason.
Are communications majors worth it? ›
Tuition can be substantial, but a communications degree can open doors to diverse and often well-paying careers, making it a worthwhile investment. However, it's essential to examine potential salary ranges in your desired career and compare them with the cost of the degree.
What percentage of people regret their major? ›
As of 2021, nearly 40% of adults who went to college regret their choice of major, according to a Federal Reserve survey.
Is communications a stressful job? ›
The role of a Communications Director is inherently high-pressure, dealing with media scrutiny and public perception. A work-life balance is crucial to manage stress, avoid burnout, and remain composed and effective in the face of intense demands.
