Session On “Communication Skills” At Sirda Group of Institutions”.

On September 3, 2024, I had the opportunity to gauge the communication skills of students at Sirda Group of Institutions, thanks to the cooperation of the institution’s authorities, who graciously agreed to host the session. The batch consisted of 20 to 30 students, both boys and girls, from polytechnic and pharmacy backgrounds. My intention was to interact with them, assess their understanding of communication skills, and offer insights that could help them enhance their personal and professional development.

As I started the session, I posed several questions to make the presentation more interactive and engaging. I believe that asking questions not only helps in assessing the audience’s understanding but also fosters a sense of participation and keeps the environment lively. However, one thing became apparent as the session progressed: there was a noticeable gap in the students’ knowledge of prominent figures associated with strong communication skills.

During the presentation, I introduced three well-known personalities who epitomize exceptional communication skills. To my surprise, most students were unfamiliar with any of the figures except for a few hands raised when I mentioned Barack Obama, the former president of the United States. Obama, known globally for his oratory and powerful speeches, seemed to resonate with a small fraction of the audience. However, the overall lack of awareness about influential communicators reflected a gap in their exposure to global personalities who have mastered the art of effective communication.

The lack of familiarity with these figures, in itself, wasn’t the most surprising part. When I asked the students if they had ever watched a TED Talk—those highly inspirational and educational presentations by experts across various fields—none of the students seemed to know about them. This gave me a clear indication of the type of content they are consuming online, particularly on platforms like YouTube. It became evident that their attention was largely directed toward entertainment reels, rather than informative or self-development content. In today’s digital age, while entertainment has its place, the value of educational content such as TED Talks cannot be understated, especially for students on the verge of entering their professional careers.

I took this opportunity to shift the focus of the discussion toward the importance of communication skills in personal and professional life. Effective communication is more than just talking; it’s about listening, conveying ideas clearly, and connecting with others in a meaningful way. Communication skills are essential because they enable individuals to express their thoughts confidently and professionally. Whether in a job interview, during a team discussion, or while presenting an idea, strong communication can make a world of difference.

I emphasized how mastering communication skills can add immense value to one’s personality. Communication is often seen as the bridge that connects knowledge to execution. You may be highly knowledgeable, but without the ability to communicate your ideas effectively, that knowledge may not be fully appreciated or utilized. Mastery in communication helps build relationships, solve problems, and achieve career success. It also fosters leadership qualities, as strong communicators are often seen as natural leaders who can influence and guide others.

In today’s competitive world, where students are preparing for careers in various technical fields such as pharmacy or engineering, communication skills can act as a differentiating factor. Employers are not just looking for candidates who are technically sound; they are also searching for individuals who can articulate their ideas, collaborate with teams, and contribute to the company’s vision through clear and impactful communication.

Toward the end of the session, I encouraged the students to explore content beyond entertainment on digital platforms. I recommended that they start watching TED Talks, speeches by inspirational figures, and educational content that can contribute to their overall development. Additionally, I suggested that they practice speaking in front of mirrors, engage in debates or discussions, and seek feedback on their communication style to refine their skills further.

In conclusion, the session served as a reminder that while technical skills are vital, communication skills hold equal importance in shaping a successful career and personality. The ability to express oneself clearly, confidently, and effectively is a skill that every student should strive to develop, as it opens doors to countless opportunities in the professional world. I hope that through sessions like this, more students will realize the value of strong communication and take active steps toward mastering it.