Gen Z's problems with talking
One newspaper column or editorial is not proof of an issue. So you can take this Washington Post piece with a bit of skepticism, Gen Zers aren’t talking — and it could cost them
However, it rings true to me in other things I’ve been reading about the poor integration of new college graduates into the workforce. Their communications skills are often cited as an issue. Previously, I thought this had to do with their writing skills, since they only seem know how to text without appropriate punctuation. This article calls into question their verbal skills. Stemming from a lack of experience in their daily lives for verbal conversations, even among friends.
It has been over twenty years since I observed five young professionals standing outside a nice restaurant, in a small circle and all on their Blackberries, since that was the tool of the day. Not talking to one another, all just checking their messages/email. I’m thinking this type of behavior has accelerated with social media dominating the lives of younger generations.
Back in the day I would recommend new graduates get out there and do informational interviews to better understand the profession they were about to enter, get use to talking about themselves and learning more about the professional workplace. Now today, I still thing the informational interview is a great way to build a network and expand one’s learning. But it sounds like they will need to do some practicing before venturing out into the real world.
Find a few friends for one-on-one conversations. “Pretend” they are someone you want to interview and practice having a professional conversation. Doing this with your parents would be another easy option. If verbal skills are so lacking and one’s confidence is so low, practice until you become comfortable in this type of situation. And ditch your cell phone, even turn it off completely so it is not buzzing constantly during an informational interview.
One last piece of advice. Don’t use AI to help you in your writing. The best way to become a better writer is to write! Contribute articles to the student newspaper. Write an editorial or letter to the editor for your local newspaper (if one still exists). Write, write, write and critique your writing. Maybe us AI to do that for you. Note the mistakes you made and keep writing.
If you are not that far along in school, you might also join a debating club or group. Look for other opportunities to get up in front of a group of people to talk about a topic of interest. Your skills will only improve by using expanding the use of your voice and your pen.
