Is there a difference between public speaking, communication skills and presentation skills?
Excellent question. The answer is yes… and no. Communication skills are used in all types of interactions, not just when one is speaking in front of a group. In fact, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), a branch of our federal government, now defines oral communication as one of nine basic literacy and essential skills needed by everyone in order to function in society. The fact that our federal government has indicated that communication skills are now considered basic literacy tells me that the bar has been raised when it comes to the need for everyone to have communication skills. But that doesn’t mean that everyone will be a good presenter or public speaker. Presentation skills are important for business or professional life, especially when a person needs to present an idea, concept or product to others. Presentation skills include such things as learning to use slides to effectively support your work. Public speaking is closely related to presentation skills, I
