Why Academic Communication Needs to Be Taught

Strong spoken communication skills are essential for classroom participation, academic achievement, and career development. Many students struggle in academic settings not because they lack speaking ability, but because they have not developed the specific communication skills required in educational contexts. Senior school and first-year university students often face public speaking anxiety, difficulty contributing to discussions, and uncertainty when explaining their reasoning, despite communicating confidently in social situations.

A significant gap exists between conversational and academic speaking.

This difficulty often stems from the gap between conversational and academic speaking. While casual conversation uses informal language and spontaneous responses, academic communication requires clear organisation, justification of opinions, use of subject-specific language, and structured responses. Although students understand the value of strong speaking skills, many have limited opportunities to practice them in a supportive, structured environment. As a result, speaking anxiety can increase, causing students to avoid participation and rely more on written work.

Research on oral language interventions shows that structured speaking activities significantly enhance students’ confidence, academic proficiency, and classroom engagement. When students learn to organise oral responses, support ideas with evidence, and use academic language frameworks, they become more precise and confident communicators. These skills strengthen participation in discussions and presentations, and also improve comprehension, critical thinking, and overall academic performance.

Programs that teach spoken academic communication provide students with practical tools for success. Spoken academic communication is a teachable skill that develops through consistent practice and support. Offering clear structures and opportunities for academic communication helps students become more articulate, engaged, and independent learners. This preparation strengthens classroom participation and provides the communication skills needed for university and future careers.