Table of Contents
Have you ever pondered…
How did Greta Thunberg deliver a confident and impactful speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, considering her young age and the gravity of the issues she was addressing?
What empowered Malala Yusuf to remain steadfast during her groundbreaking speech advocating for girls’ right to education, even in the face of community backlash?
And
What gave Ishita Katyal the courage to share her personal story as a young writer on a TEDx platform on the topic “What do you want to be now?”
What turned them into confident speakers?
Although the common thread among all three speakers is their remarkable courage and determination to speak out on crucial issues despite their age and potential challenges, here are some key factors that turned them into confident speakers:
- Effective Communication Skills
- A Deep Understanding of the Subject Matter
- A Genuine Passion for their Cause
- Their Ability to Connect with the Audience
- Sincerity, Authenticity, and Emotional Resonance of Their Messages
- Preparation, Research, and Practice
- Unwavering Support from Mentors, Family, and Community
All of these nurtured and amplified their voices, making them the influential speakers they are today!
The most effective ways to improve communication skills in today’s young thinkers
With respect to effectiveness, children are natural communicators when conveying ideas or opinions. However, schools are ideal spaces for children to recognise their innate qualities and gradually develop them into valuable skills and attributes.
Here are some of the best ways schools in Bangalore nurture students’ communication skills:
- Listen To Their Ideas and Opinions Without Judgement
Children have a curious mind that runs wild with ideas and thoughts an adult could only dare to come up with or have. Sometimes, they could sound impossible, fanciful, or even unrealistic. However, it is essential to remember that the seeds of creativity and innovation lie within these imaginative and seemingly improbable ideas.
As teachers become active and non-judgmental listeners, students feel at ease expressing their unrefined ideas, thoughts, and emotions. This sets the stage for spontaneous sharing, and gradually, they learn to articulate their thoughts consciously and fluently. Students understand that a teacher would only intervene when they needed assistance finding the right words or phrases to express themselves honestly.
Over time, this open and non-judgmental approach to listening to students can lead to groundbreaking ideas and a generation of individuals unafraid to challenge the status quo.
- Provide Safe Spaces for Open Conversations
Students often have limited opportunities for candid discussions, especially with teachers who might traditionally be seen as authority figures. By establishing these safe and open spaces, educators create an environment where students can express their thoughts, concerns, and questions without fear of judgment or reprisal.
This fosters trust and allows students to engage in meaningful dialogue, explore their curiosity, and develop essential communication skills. It also encourages a more open and inclusive educational experience where students and teachers learn from one another.
- Allow Them to Initiate and Engage in Conversation
Traditionally, the teacher initiates a conversation, and students add to it. There is hardly any space for them to think for themselves, come up with concerns that might be associated with them on a personal or community level, and then take the lead in discussing those topics.
Allowing students to initiate and actively participate in conversations empowers them to voice their opinions, express concerns, and explore subjects they are passionate about. It encourages critical thinking and enables them to take ownership of their learning, ultimately leading to a more engaging and interactive educational experience that respects their unique voices and perspectives.
- Encourage Journaling
For communication to be most authentic, spontaneous, and well-articulated, one must know oneself on many psychological and conscious levels. Journaling has the power to enable self-reflection and self-discovery. It allows individuals, including students, to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences privately and unfiltered.
By engaging in regular journaling, students can better understand themselves, their values, and their beliefs. This self-awareness enhances their ability to communicate effectively. It provides a foundation for empathy and a greater understanding of others, making them more adept at engaging in meaningful and empathetic conversations.
- Administer Student-Led Clubs
Toastmasters, Model United Nations (MUN), and debate clubs have, time and time again, proven to enhance various skills significantly. These clubs provide a platform for students to develop and improve their public speaking, critical thinking, research, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.
They encourage leadership, teamwork, and the ability to articulate ideas effectively. Furthermore, they offer a valuable opportunity for students to apply these skills in real-world situations, preparing them for academic, professional, and personal success.
Conclusion
Schools are an ideal space for improving communication skills because they offer a diverse and structured environment that encourages interaction, provides mentorship, and fosters an atmosphere of learning and growth.
Developing effective communication skills in school is crucial not only for academic success but also for preparing students for the challenges and opportunities they will face in the future, both in their personal and professional lives.
CMR National Public School is one of the top CBSE schools in Bangalore, where educators actively listen to students without judgment. We have created and are working on enhancing the safe space for our children to learn, explore, and grow, fostering a sense of curiosity and a willingness to think outside the box.
