A Skill I Want to Learn – Public Speaking

🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card

🗣️ Sample Answer

Examiner: You have one to two minutes. Please begin speaking now.

Candidate (Ravi Mehta):
A skill I really want to learn is public speaking. It’s the ability to speak confidently in front of an audience—whether that’s in a meeting, a classroom, or on stage. I think this skill is essential in today’s world.

Public speaking is important because it enables you to express your ideas clearly, influence others, and develop leadership qualities. Whether you’re a teacher, businessperson, or student, you need to present your thoughts effectively.

To learn this skill, I’ve already started watching TED Talks, practising speeches at home, and attending a local Toastmasters club, which helps people improve public speaking in a supportive environment. I also plan to take an online course to learn voice control, body language, and speech structure.

In the future, I aspire to work in education or corporate training, so this skill will enable me to teach effectively, deliver presentations, and communicate more effectively with people. It will also boost my self-confidence in both personal and professional settings.

🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions

1. What do you think of traditional skills?
Traditional skills such as cooking, sewing, farming, or pottery are incredibly valuable. They carry cultural significance and often reflect a community’s history. In today’s world, many of these skills are also being revived through creative industries and local businesses.

2. What skills does university provide for future jobs?
Universities help students develop research, time management, critical thinking, and communication skills. They also offer practical experiences through group projects and presentations. Many institutions now include internships and workshops to better prepare students for real-world careers.

3. What skills can you learn in school?
In school, students acquire academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. Beyond academics, they also develop essential soft skills, such as teamwork, discipline, and public speaking, through classroom activities. Schools play a vital role in shaping both intellectual and social development.

4. What skills have your parents learned?
My parents have learned a range of practical and interpersonal skills over the years. These include budgeting, cooking, problem-solving, and handling responsibilities under pressure. Their life experience has taught them things you often don’t learn in formal education.

5. What role does family play in helping children learn skills?
Family is a child’s first learning environment. Parents teach important values, communication skills, and basic life skills, such as time management and emotional control. Their guidance lays the foundation for how children approach learning in school and beyond.

6. What is the most popular skill people want to learn today?
Communication skills, digital literacy, and coding are currently among the most popular. People realise that being good at speaking or using technology opens up more career options. These skills are now seen as essential, not optional.

7. What kind of school would you send your children to, and why?
I would prefer a school that balances academic subjects with life skills and creativity. It should have a supportive environment that encourages leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking. A well-rounded education prepares children for both personal and professional success.

8. What are the pros and cons of school vs. family education?
School offers structured learning, social interaction, and access to trained educators. On the other hand, family education provides emotional support, values, and one-on-one attention. A combination of both usually leads to the most effective development.

9. Do you think practical skills are more useful than academic knowledge?
Both are important in different ways. Academic knowledge helps in passing exams and understanding the world, while practical skills help in day-to-day problem-solving and independence. Ideally, education should strike a balance between the two.

10. Should schools place a greater emphasis on communication and leadership skills?
Yes, absolutely. These skills are essential in nearly every career and life situation. Schools that focus only on academic results often leave students unprepared for real-world challenges where communication and leadership are crucial.

Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – A Skill I Want to Learn – Public Speaking