Conversation skills as a predictor of communication competence among university students

A study conducted at Babeș-Bolyai University, Romania, investigated the relationship between academic performance, conversation skills, and communication competence among 720 university students across various disciplines. The research aimed to determine if conversation skills mediate the link between academic achievement and communicative outcomes, recognizing communication as a critical transferable skill in higher education.

Why it matters

Understanding the mechanisms by which academic variables influence communication competence is vital for developing effective educational strategies. Enhancing these skills can contribute to a more capable workforce and improve inter-personal dynamics in professional settings, impacting overall organizational effectiveness and talent development.

Key insights

• Conversational and communicative competence is increasingly recognized as a core transferable skill in higher education.
• The study examined the relationships between year of study, academic performance, conversation skills, and communication competence.
• It tested whether conversation skills account for the link between academic performance and communication competence.
• A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 720 students from Babeș-Bolyai University, spanning exact sciences, social sciences and humanities, and arts.
• Conversation skills were measured using the Conversational Skills Rating Scale (CSRS; α = .945).

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1907321