Malaysia does not lack knowledge, but it does face a quieter challenge from a shortage of voices ready to lead. For decades, public speaking has often been viewed as a niche skill, useful mainly for influencers, marketers, or professional speakers. In reality, it is one of the earliest and most visible expressions of leadership.
Leadership is not defined solely by expertise. It is built on influence, and people are more likely to follow voices they trust. We often assume leaders speak because they are leaders, when in many cases, individuals become leaders because they communicate with clarity, empathy and conviction.
This gap becomes especially visible as graduates enter the workforce. Employers across industries have echoed a consistent observation for years. While graduates often bring strong technical competence, many struggle when required to present ideas, persuade stakeholders, or articulate strategic decisions. A degree may open doors, but communication skills often determine how far one progresses beyond them.
Public speaking is not about stage performance nor is it dependent on one’s extroversion. It is a practical and widely applicable leadership skill that can be developed over time. Doctors must explain treatment options clearly, engineers must justify solutions to stakeholders, and managers must rally teams under pressure. At its core, public speaking is the ability to translate ideas into action, and knowledge into trust. It should be recognised as a core leadership capability, not merely a soft skill.
Many graduates already possess strong foundational knowledge. With greater emphasis on communication skills, many could step into leadership roles earlier than expected.
The urgency of this shift becomes even clearer as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly takes over technical and routine tasks. What will distinguish future leaders is not only what they know, but how effectively they communicate that knowledge. Technology can generate words and organise information, but it cannot build trust or offer vision.
Global employer surveys consistently rank communication among the most sought-after skills, and locally, it remains an area with room for growth. By strengthening the ability to articulate ideas and lead discussions, Malaysia can better amplify its talent and strengthen its standing in the region.
As AI continues to reshape industries, leadership will increasingly belong to those who can give meaning to knowledge, not simply produce it. Malaysia’s next leap in leadership will not come from technical competence alone, but from individuals who communicate with persuasion. In the end, AI may support the work we do, but it is our voices that inspire others to follow.
Deborah Chris Raj is a Lecturer atthe School of General Studies and Languages, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University, Malaysia.