Same as writing skills. A liberal arts education aims equally to develop the ability to express ideas orally: to be clear and concise, to argue for a point of view, and to respond critically to the statements of others. Don’t be shy — that doesn’t work in college. For students who come from a background where verbal expression and/or personal opinion were not encouraged, this expectation may require some adapting, but it is not optional; for guidance please see the instructor, Macaulay advisor, or a peer counselor.