The Lord mentions communication skills in His Word hundreds of times. It touches every aspect of our lives. Studies show that effective communicators have deeper friendships, are better students, are more successful, make more money and are even happier than their less articulate counterparts. If that's not a core subject, I don't know what is! It is essential that we Say What We Mean Every Day!

2. Speech Communication is only for lawyers and politicians.

Not according to the Bible! Here is a minuscule sampling of the ways in which the Lord thinks communication is vital to our faith and every day lives:

"Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." -Colossians 4:6

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" -1Peter 3:15

"He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king for his friend." -Proverbs 22:11

"An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of the citadel." -Proverbs 18:19

3. I already took a speech or debate class.

Communication is crucial to every aspect of our lives from how we talk to our children to sharing our faith. Communication is so much more than speech and debate. In fact, I know some great speech makers and debaters who are not very good one on one! Every day communication is not necessarily learned through a speech or debate course.

4. My child is only in preschool.

This is actually the best time to begin learning communication skills! Preschoolers are usually without fear and are much more willing to try new things-especially if they are fun. If you wait until your children are in later elementary school (or high school or college when most believe you should begin), your child may already have a fear of speech or social interaction that will make it more difficult or intimidating for them to learn. Communication is a skill learned through training and experience.  More experience equals a more effective communicator!

5. Speech Communication is Boring/Intimidating.

But it doesn't have to be! It can be fun and engaging, entertaining and creative if you use a curriculum that employs humor and creative, hands-on activities that appeal to all learning styles and personalities! (online catalog)