Speaking – To convey thoughts, opinions, or emotions orally, to express yourself.

My rationale is built on the premise that to be a better public speaker, one needs to feel free from the fear of the act itself ; and the more experience at it, the better.

History

America – The land of freedom

Most modern Americans can trace their roots to their immigrant ancestors, who came to America to be free.

The immigrants were seeking freedom from religious persecution, economic troubles, political oppression, famines. Others who were brought in forcefully (as slaves or deported criminals), stayed on even after they were freed.

America’s policies throughout time have been democratic and have encouraged immigration (barring recent years).

India – The land of culture and society

India, on the other hand, has always been bound by culture and traditions. (I am not labeling this as good or bad. It just is.) Each person’s value was as estimated in the eyes of society.

Our inherent closeness to our family and friends has meant that almost everything we generally do or say takes a second thought to think about how it will be perceived in society.

We look, and rarely leap.

Even our freedom movement was driven by rebelutionary individuals rather than the masses. We fought for freedom from the English oppression,  to go back to our culture and traditions.

Education System

America – Flexible, Fostering independent thinking. Historically, no of opportunities > no of people.

America’s education system encourages students to choose their subjects right from high school. It also happens to be a system designed to boost self-esteem in classes. (Although getting everyone to pass in school lowers standards in high-school and so on, that’s not the focus of our reasoning.)

An effect of this choice for students is that many opt out of mathematics (which builds a foundation for logical thinking), and as a result Americans tend to do and say impulsively, rather than rationally.

This system encourages and demands independent thinking and ability to express opinions. Even relationships with professors are engaging, almost as if they are equals.

India – Methodical, Herd mentality. Historically, no of people > no of opportunities.

In India, the education and social system is hard on students. If you dont perform (which is largely dependent on how well you memorize stuff), you are labelled stupid and looked down upon. This memorization approach does not recognize or encourage independent thinking.

Classroom discussions are conspicuous by their absence. Even teachers are treated as Gurus with respect, raising barriers to open and engaging communication. (That teachers tend to use their dictatorial powers to harm students who oppose them does not help either.)

Effectively, Indians tend to be deprived of a platform to express their views.

As a result of these, Americans are better speakers than Indians.

This post is guilty of generalization (of course).