Dozens of studies support the fact that communication skills are essential for success in a number of areas. After citing a sampling of these studies, a survey of the communication course offerings in Alabama's 2-year-college system reveals that most students are required to take only one communication course-either Fundamentals of Oral Communication (SPH 106), or Fundamentals of Public Speaking (SPH 107). Since students are typically being exposed to only one communication course experience, that course should be as broad-based and exhaustive as possible. A case is made that SPH 106 should be the preferred course.