Investing in Communication: Warren Buffett Advice for Young Professionals

Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, emphasizes the significance of investing in a skill that can set young professionals apart and enhance their earning potential.

The skill he advocates for? Communication. In an interview, the billionaire investor underscored the value of developing communication skills, citing it as “a modest improvement that can make a major distinction in your future earning power, as well as in many other aspects of your life.”

Warren Buffett Personal Journey:

Buffett shared his transformative experience with communication skills, recalling how he once dreaded public speaking. He admitted, “Up until about the age of 20… just the thought of [public speaking] made me physically ill.”

During his college years, he intentionally avoided courses that required him to speak in front of others. However, after graduating from Columbia Business School, Buffett stumbled upon an advertisement for a $100 public speaking course in his hometown of Omaha. Buffett saw an opportunity for growth.

Overcoming Fear:

Motivated to conquer his fear and improve his abilities, Buffett invested in the course, viewing it as a means to hold himself accountable.

Despite his initial trepidation, he completed the course and recognized the necessity of continual practice to maintain his newfound skills.

To stay sharp, Buffett pursued a teaching position at the University of Omaha, where he regularly gave public speeches.

Investing in Growth:

Reflecting on the course’s impact, Buffett emphasized its profound influence on his life. He acknowledged that he risked regressing to his former state of discomfort without actively practicing his communication skills.

By consistently pushing himself to speak in front of others, Buffett experienced significant personal and professional growth, underscoring the importance of investing in one’s development.