Six Degree Options For People Who Are Not Afraid To Speak In Public

The fear of public speaking, known as glossophobia, is widespread, and it is believed that this phobia affects almost three-quarters of the population (https://www.verywellmind.com/glossophobia-2671860). However, while many prefer careers working behind the scenes and as far from the limelight as possible, there are others who thrive in the public eye. Students who don't mind being the center of attention and want to pursue a career where speaking in public is a must can benefit from the following degrees. 

What Skills Are Needed To Become a Good Public Speaker?

Not suffering from glossophobia is a good start, but being an excellent public speaker also requires other skills. Fortunately, these skills can be honed and are very beneficial for anyone who wants to make a career that involves putting themselves in the spotlight.

Confidence: One of the most essential skills to have when speaking in public is confidence. Being timid or nervous when trying to communicate with a large audience makes it hard for them to connect with you. 

Conciseness: Being as concise as possible when sharing information with an audience is vital. 

Zeal: Audiences can quickly see if you are genuinely passionate about the topic you are presenting or simply going through the motions. Using the correct body language and enthusiasm for the subject matter makes it easier for audiences to remain engaged.

Self-Awareness: Nobody is perfect, and being self-aware about your strengths and weaknesses can improve your public speaking skills. 

Adaptability: Things can and will go wrong when speaking in public, and being adaptable makes it easier to remain calm while coming up with solutions. 

What Are The Best Degree Options For Public Speaking Careers?

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Political careers often involve a lot of public speaking, so a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science degree can be a good starting point. This degree focuses on topics such as policy, public issues, and citizens' interactions with governments. Opting for a Bachelor of Arts instead of a Bachelor of Science degree in political science also adds a foreign language component, which is helpful for international relations. 

Juris Doctor

Working as a lawyer requires good public speaking skills as you need to prosecute or defend lawsuits and present the cases of various clients. This can draw a lot of attention, especially in high-profile cases, where lawyers are typically scrutinized. To become a lawyer, students must complete a bachelor's degree and then a Juris Doctor degree that the American Bar Association accredits. 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Although there are no degrees in public communication, some programs, such as Bachelor of Arts in Communication, include it as a course. This degree also teaches students verbal and visual communication skills, presentation skills, strategic storytelling, law and ethics, and more. In addition, most communication degrees enable students to select a career-focused concentration, such as business, new media, or public relations. This can be useful for career paths involving lots of public speaking, such as becoming a motivational speaker or entertainer. 

Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Digital Journalism

Visual communication can involve public speaking, especially when pursuing news anchoring or broadcast journalism careers. A Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Digital Journalism can help students strengthen their video and broadcast reporting skills if they want a career in the public eye. This degree gives students exposure to all the latest technologies and trends in the industry and allows them to hone their skills in journalism. In addition to journalism, this degree is also helpful for advertising and public relations. 

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education

Public speaking skills are extremely important for teachers as they need to convey information to students who might not always be willing to listen. A Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education is just one of the teaching degrees that are available for people who want to follow this career path. Completing this degree can prepare students to become licensed as grade six to twelve teachers. In addition to a first-teaching field, this type of degree typically also has second-teaching field concentrations such as biological science, general science, mathematics, physical science, and earth science.  

Bachelor of Arts in Drama

One of the most popular degrees for people who want to pursue careers as actors in theatre, film, television, and new media is the Bachelor of Arts in Drama. Students can also choose from concentrations such as Acting, Musical Theatre, or even Theatre Education, which includes teacher licensure. Working as an actor requires a lot of self-confidence and excellent public speaking skills, but it can be a gratifying career for those who have dreams of making it big.

Conclusion

Almost all jobs require some degree of public speaking, whether giving a presentation at work or in meetings with colleagues. Even if you don't plan on pursuing a career in public speaking, the degrees listed above can still be helpful for other jobs. Enhancing your public speaking skills can lead to advancements in your career as well as provide a boost in self-confidence. Fortunately, public speaking is a skill that can be honed, and plenty of resources are available for people who want to do so.