Communication - Key to success

Today morning I was taking a 4 hour training session on "12 Essentials of Communication Skills" as part of Secretarial Modular Training Programme conducted by the Hyderabad Chapter of Company Secretaries for the final passed students of Company Secretaryship course. This was my 46th batch of training on same topic since 1991 and it was well received as indicated in the written feedback given by the attendees. After completion of the session, few participants approached me to get their doubts clarified. Though I have guided them with some techniques, here are my additional inputs for all the 38 participants:

1. Good communication skills have a significant impact on your career. Your ability to speak well will make you popular. You will be able to impress your higher ups with your confidence, initiative and creative ideas. Isn’t it a great way to propel your career to dizzy heights with better communication skills?
2. Though some people have an innate ability to speak well, it is always possible to develop communication skills with a bit of hard work. Preparation and practice are best ways to overcome nervousness.
3. To succeed in your career you must present yourself with confidence. Your messages should have both content and style that makes a good impression on the listeners. Only practice and more practice can help you develop these qualities. So make it a point to devote enough time to master communication skills.
4. Be prepared to go that extra mile - Attend seminars, interactive sessions and discussions to improve your communication skills. You can also take advantage of training programmes organized by professional bodies.
5. Good communication skills have to go hand-in-hand with talent, ability and knowledge. Let others know your talent with your better communication.