Lynn

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Teach Communication Skills

I would like to comment on Chaim Yudkowsky’s Commentary in the Feb. 2 edition, “Our Children Ill-Prepared for the Future.”

I work with high-tech clients and have been concerned about the lack of “balance” in the education system in the public and private schools in the L.A. area. Many people who have completed higher education in the high-tech fields have found it difficult to maintain options in their career for lack of verbal communication skills. These professionals are very bright and tops in their fields. Yet they find difficulty getting promoted within their companies or maintaining contracts because they are “over technical” in their communication with clients, staff and the public.

Some of my clients seem to have a great deal of difficulty explaining the “inner workings” of their products or services to those outside their field, leaving customers or any listener completely baffled as to what they are talking about.

Don’t get me wrong, I think progress in any field is a must in order to maintain or advance in a technical field, and I would much prefer to deal with a professional who knows his or her stuff. I would certainly prefer a clear explanation of the product and service.

If officials within our higher education system would take the time to look at their curricula and partner with the speech, marketing or psychology departments, more professionals would have a balanced education in the upper levels of study. These professionals would have a better understanding of the non-technical world. Everyone would fare much better. The high-tech person needs strong communication skills in order to succeed, and to allow the public to understand technology rather than fear it.

The education system needs to take another look at how it prepares students from the junior high school through college level. As Mr. Yudkowsky said, “to save the work force, there must be balance,” and I agree.

JANET LYNN

Director, Hilltop Speech and Language Services

Long Beach

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