Development of Oral Communication Skills in Economics Students under Distance Learning Conditions

Abstract

The article addresses the problem of developing oral speech as a key component of communicative competence among students in the modern educational environment. Communication is considered as a multi-level process that encompasses speaking, perception, and interpretation of information, while oral speech performs informational, interactive, and cognitive functions. It serves not only as a means of conveying content but also as a tool for shaping professional thinking and social interaction. Particular attention is paid to the conditions of distance learning, which significantly transform the process of speech training. The reduced role of non-verbal communication and the increased importance of verbal means require students to demonstrate greater accuracy, structure, and logical coherence in their utterances. This highlights the need for effective methods and technologies for teaching oral speech. The article also considers the specific training of students in economics specialties, for whom oral speech is an essential instrument of professional activity, particularly in negotiations, presentations, and managerial communication. The importance of developing soft skills and using digital technologies as a means of enhancing the effectiveness of speech training is emphasized. Methodological foundations for oral speech development in online settings are examined, including communicative, discussion-based, problem-oriented, project, role-play, and presentation methods. Their effectiveness is shown to be strengthened by the use of digital technologies, which expand opportunities for speech practice beyond the classroom. The potential of online platforms for video discussions, voice recording services, speech synthesis tools, and virtual avatars is analyzed, as they contribute to student autonomy, reduce speech anxiety, and foster confidence in oral communication. Particular emphasis is placed on the relevance of such tools for economics students, as they provide practical preparation for professional communication in business, negotiations, and presentations. It is established that the highest effectiveness is achieved through the combination of traditional pedagogical methods with digital and AI technologies, which complement and expand the didactic possibilities of the educational process.