As few others already mentioned, some things in this article seems like a bad advice or demotivator where it should not be. I guess caveat is that you mean exactly the public speaking.
Being a software engineer for whole of my life. And holding a view that actions and results speak better then words on top of that… I would say that this is not the case at all…
There is a cliche that people go to work with computers because they can avoid humans… I would say that that is exception rather then a rule these days. Anyone who thinks that way going for computer profession will be disappointed at some stage of his career. Actually so called soft skills are in top 3 for qualities for candidates.
But even outside of that… I would put it this way, all of us should seek to get most out of lives we were given. And only recently I understood that if someone would ask me what is most important thing to focus on I would say “people”. Biggest resource we have is each other. Its our networks of contacts, friends and family that make our lives better and give us opportunities.
There will be times in your life when you will want to make an impact, when you will have insight, idea or experience that could make world a better place. But if you can not communicate it then your are stuck with it… And without that it will be a wasted opportunity…
Yes, actions and results speak better then words, but they also take time and other resources… So while you are getting results someone else already convinced others to make a different decision, because he is good communicator and you are late with your results…
Communication skill is just that, a skill. Very broad one, that includes language usage, body language, storytelling, listening skills, emotional intelligence etc etc etc. But since the beginning humans succeed together, as tribes, teams, families, armies. And all that requires communication. It is a core of our success.
Do find a way to enjoy improving those skills. Debate clubs, improvisation theatre, writing, storytelling… Pick whatever seems like most playful fun for you. You will not regret that.
