By Ghareebah Alsaeed
KUWAIT: In a world where communication tools are rapidly evolving, public speaking remains one of the most essential skills a person needs to express themselves and convey their voice and ideas to others. It is not just about talking; it is a precise blend of body language, tone of voice, and clear storytelling that gives the speaker the power to influence and persuade, making them someone people trust and are eager to listen to.
This skill, long associated with leaders and influential figures, is no longer limited to a specific group. Today, it has become a necessity for every student, teacher, employee, and even parent. But the pressing question remains: Should public speaking be part of the educational system? And does it truly impact the learning process?
Kuwait Times conducted a field survey in a local shopping mall, speaking to several parents and asked them about this vital topic. The opinions varied, but they all agreed on the importance of this skill in a student’s life.
A forgotten skill
Halima Bougheth, 45 years old, said that public speaking should be an essential part of the curriculum from early stages, as it enables students to express their feelings and ideas. It also provides them with a space to communicate verbally with confidence and clarity. “Unfortunately, today’s schools focus more on writing than on speaking, even though life outside the classroom relies heavily on verbal communication,” she said. “In the past, people spoke fluently and had a strong presence. But now, technology has reduced students’ enthusiasm for speaking and weakened their expressive abilities. That’s why I believe teaching public speaking builds students to become confident individuals who can express themselves and communicate without hesitation.”
The language of life
Abdulaziz Hussein, 57 years old, emphasized that communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, whether educational or social. From his point of view, public speaking plays a pivotal role in enhancing this communication. “When a student lacks good speaking skills, they lose a part of their identity. We cannot understand each other without a clear and direct language. Public speaking helps simplify ideas, convey emotions, and create opportunities for discussion and interaction,” he said. “Thinking alone is not enough — you must know how to express your thoughts in a way that respects the listener and convinces them at the same time.”
Persuasion creates leaders
As for Mansour Hamza, a 42-year-old interested in public speaking, he shared a different perspective. He linked public speaking directly with leadership and success. He noted: “All successful leaders are characterized by eloquence and the ability to influence through their words. Even if others are more competent, poor delivery and weak speech prevent the audience from engaging. Persuasion isn’t just about the information, but how it’s presented. The voice, posture, word choice, and self-confidence — all of these make a big difference in how people receive your message.”
He added: “Today, educational workshops and university courses offer ideal environments for learning these skills, especially when they are practical and allow students to speak in front of others and receive constructive feedback. This kind of training creates real transformation.”
Not a luxury
What everyone agrees on is that public speaking is no longer a luxury — it’s a true necessity for every young man and woman in a world that demands presence, expressive ability and initiative.
Today’s student is tomorrow’s leader. And every skill learned now becomes a building block for their academic and professional future. The one who knows how to speak, knows how to think, how to persuade, and how to present themselves with elegance, confidence, and effectiveness
Public speaking doesn’t just teach a student words; it builds within them a new personality pulsing with awareness, confidence, and the ability to communicate ideas in a unique style. It’s a skill that bridges the heart and mind, making its owner a voice to remember.
In a world increasingly dependent on personal skills, public speaking opens the door for every student to create their own opportunity, express their identity powerfully, and advance in their field with strength and excellence. Public speaking is a skill that makes all the difference — in education and in life.
