[UriDepkeeks]

1) The majority of instances in an ordinary person's life that call for them to speak in public will be dedicated to things that are either obvious, trite, or stupifyingly dull (frequently accompanied by PowerPoint slides)

I would suggest that the ability to speak in public is important if you consider that talking to a small group at a team or management meeting is talking in public. While the subject of conversation may be dull, it essential for career development.