Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Few would disagree that public speaking is an important skill for business graduates and is critical for career success. With an increasing number of online courses in addition to organizations expanding the use of technology to facilitate communication, we posit that students should focus on learning public speaking skills in a digital setting. In this article, the authors propose the use of synchronous online discussions to develop the important skill of effective online professional communication and ameliorate students’ fear of digital public speaking. We present the results of a survey of MBA and undergraduate students that indicate the importance of online learning and a desire to learn more about how to effectively conduct a business presentation at an online setting. We then present an explanation of how instructors can incorporate synchronous online discussions into a course. Moreover, findings from a qualitative survey of MBA students are presented, for the purpose of demonstrating how synchronous online discussions reduce fear of digital public speaking. By teaching our students skills to improve their public speaking ability in online settings, we can better prepare our graduates for career success in the digital age.
Authors: Colleen Carraher Wolverton, John F. Tanner
Language: English
Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2997499568