Communication Skills Paramount to Success
Recent studies and media stories support our premise: communication skills can make the difference in a person's success in science and technology.
The Global Achievement Gap:
Harvard-based education expert, Tony Wagner, explained The Global Achievement Gap in a November 2010 NY Times article: “There are three basic skills that students need if they want to thrive in a knowledge economy: the ability to do critical thinking and problem-solving; the ability to communicate effectively; and the ability to collaborate.” Listen. Write. Present. discusses how all 3 concepts correlate to communication skills.
Soft Skills Needed:
In a study conducted by the American Society for Engineering Education, researchers analyzed 38 skills needed to succeed in the industry. Among these skills, they ranked technical writing as number two. They also ranked several other communication skills in the top nine: public speaking, fourth place; working with individuals, sixth place; working with groups, seventh place; and talking with people, ninth place.
