Communication Studies, Surveys and Statistics

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." -Proverbs 9:9

The following are studies, surveys and statistics on communication skills showing the importance of studying and mastering speech communication skills.  We are adding to this list so check back periodically for new and updated information. 

“Is the Internet Affecting the Social Skills of Our Children?” Bob Affonso, University of Nevada – Reno, December 1999  “Michael A. Weinstein, professor of Political Science at Purdue University, believes Internet users will ‘lose the savvy and skills and patience to conduct social relations in the corporeal world,’ and that the Internet will intensify the negative effect television has already had on our social skills (Weinstein, 1995).”

Christina Durano, “Social Skills Impeded by Technology,” DailySkiff.com
Not only do electronics hinder the development of our interpersonal communication skills, but they can also be just plain rude. Sometimes I want to grab the phone out of someone's hands and throw it on the ground so they actually look at me during our conversation. It's not that I think I'm so high and mighty that I actually deserve people's attention; it's just that there are some basic rights everyone deserves - one of which is the right to have a two-way conversation.

North Carolina 4-H survey on the experience and benefits of a public speaking 2007
"Public speaking helped most in confidence-building and learning more about a topic. Preparation and delivery of a speech helped them communicate ideas to others, organize, set goals, and do research.  Most reported that the experience also improved their abilities to work with others."

“If you have experience in hiring people, you know the importance of people skills. Educational skills are useless in some industries when people skills are absent. You can have great ideas, theories, and solve complex problems, but if you cannot effectively communicate that material in a persuasive and exciting manner by relating to your fellow human, you face an uphill battle in whatever challenges you encounter. It’s not that people dislike you because of your intelligence; it’s that people dislike you because you’re rude, not understanding, or annoying to be around. The intelligent person with poor communication skills is insensitive or unaware of other’s emotions.” - Joshua Uebergang

The 1998  National Communication Association commissioned Roper Starch Worldwide survey of how Americans communicate.  “What really makes people nervous is having to express an opinion in a formal setting where the consequences could be real.” They found that only one third of Americans(34%) felt very comfortable speaking up at a meeting.  “Even more intimidating to Americans is giving a presentation or a speech: almost 40% of Americans do not feel comfortable doing so.” And further reports that “…while 62% say they are very comfortable communicating in general, one third fewer people (42%) say that they are very effective when communicating.”

“Communication plays a central and defining role in all aspects of life.  Its importance is undisputed yet the skills and understandings that shape it are often overlooked. This lack of awareness of skills and associated understanding related to communication is complicated by the pervasive sense of mastery and understanding with regard to communication that exists in society. People think effective communication is 'common sense' despite evidence to the contrary. Our ongoing participation in acts of communication does not necessarily breed competence or understanding of what is a multifaceted, complex and contingent phenomenon. We live in a world where increased globalization, technological advances and the pace and diversity of life provide considerable scope for miscommunication and misunderstanding. This makes the field of communication one of the most interesting and fastest growing areas of study.” –Lincoln University

George Bernard Shaw, recipient of the 1925 Nobel Prize for Literature, said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

“What communication skills do employers want? Silicon Valley recruiters respond.” Journal of Employment Counseling, March 1, 2005
The purpose of this study was to analyze the satisfaction levels of Silicon Valley employers with the communication skills of newly hired college graduates. Employers reported that oral and written communication skills needed improvement in several areas, including the use of vocabulary and self-expression. College graduates' skills are not always adequate to perform the tasks required on the job. Employers said students needed stronger writing skills; more training on professional uses of e-mail; and additional education regarding self-expression, impression management, and avoidance of slang.

Communications failures top the list of reasons IT projects fail, according to poll results from the Computing Technology Industry Association, 2007. About 28% of 1,000 respondents identified poor communications as the main cause of project failure.

“Employers consistently cite effective oral communication skills among the top criteria for success of new hires, but often find candidates unprepared in these skills. Recent research indicates that poor oral communication skills and communication apprehension (CA) are linked to lower academic performance and higher college dropout rates.” –Virginia Tech abstract

According to a report written by Brenda HaydenSheets and Lou Tillson at Murray State
University: “Although collegiate business communication educators have embarked upon a new century exploring technological advanced forms of communication via the Internet such as ‘pod casting’ and ‘blogging,’ they also must continue to grapple with the age-old problems of improper grammar, usage, and mechanics; poorly written forms of business correspondence often characterized by inadequate planning and organization, and/or deficient oral presentation skills.”