Confident Communication

International Women’s Day at Confident Communication 

Team / By confidentcommunication / March 16, 2022 March 21, 2022

International Women’s Day 2022 was celebrated through the first week of March with immense gusto by all at Confident Communication.

It was all hands-on deck with the purpose of bringing to the fore the theme of ‘Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow’ as set out by the UN this year. Students and trainers alike came together to show their support for the cause and their thoughts on why gender equality is important for the world we live in.

Using the power of social media, past and present students, trainers, and friends of Confident Communication shared short clips with brief messages to show their support for the cause. Across age groups, the speakers talked about how they had experienced gender bias in their lives and why this needed to change.

In gratitude of the women who’ve been an integral part of our journey

Rina Barreto, a Confident Communication parent, eloquently shared her experience of being told that, “…the kitchen is not for the boys, but you (as a girl) need to know how to cook.”

Our young stars came together too, and asked pertinent questions like, “Why can’t boys play with dolls?”, and “Why don’t we have more female pilots?” In a most innocent and heartfelt way, they made an attempt at urging people to “change your mind-set and to think differently.” 

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In a passionate plea challenging gender inequality, one of our senior students called on all of us to ‘Break the Bias’ and bridge the gender gap by speaking up when we notice discrimination. “Let us use our talents to create a stronger awareness of gender equality” she said.

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Justina’s emotive recitation of
Still I Rise

Student groups, led beautifully by their trainers, even presented a list of suggestions to help guide people towards a world of no discrimination and bias.

Student groups, led beautifully by their trainers, even presented a list of suggestions to help guide people towards a world of no discrimination and bias.

https://www.facebook.com/confidentcommunication.cc/videos/479599140303708

Our Trainer Nishi Walavalkar One of the most beautiful things that the team at Confident Communication did this Women’s Day, was take a moment to look back at all the wonderful and remarkable women who have been a part of Confident Communication right from the very beginning.

It was truly wonderful to see how far each of them has travelled after spending time with Confident Communication.

It was interesting for the young current students to get to know them as well. From Deputy College Heads to Financial Analysts, Legal Officers and highly trained teachers, the students of Confident Communication have grown into fascinating young women who have the world at their fingertips.

Their insights on gender bias and discrimination were invaluable to our present students who got to catch a glimpse of things out there in the ‘real world’. 

Finally, the students put together a video collage which highlighted all the things they thought would describe an empowered woman. To see that qualities like strength, resilience, competence, ambition and grace made the list only further proves that if this is the way young people are thinking about women right now, the world is truly in safe and secure hands for the future.

This celebration started many years ago as a way to honour the struggle for women’s empowerment. It has now turned into a day that calls for deep reflection. It is not only a time to reflect on how far we have come and what we have managed to achieve, but also a time to pay attention to how far we have yet to go.

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So, best wishes and strength to all on International Women’s Day from the Confident Communications team!

See you next year! 🙂

Article written by Wendy Burby.

Speech & Drama – Does it teach children self-confidence ?

Team / By Juwel Gomes / January 15, 2022 January 15, 2022

Speech and drama empower young children with effective, clear communication skills that serve them through life. Through an exploration of poetry, storytelling, drama, mimes, games, performances and improvisation, children learn to think creatively and express themselves with clarity and charisma.

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It is a powerful way for children to learn the necessary building blocks for a life of effective communication. It enables them to develop self-confidence, a creative imagination, empathy, and maturity in interpersonal skills and spark their imagination.

We would like to particularly highlight the use of positive body language: –

Progressively we find that these young minds will play roles in societies and groups as: 

a) leaders and 

b) collaborative team members

Confidence through our body language is very beneficial in both these roles. It helps inter-personal dynamics and communication effectiveness (whether one-on-one or with a group) and thereby helps optimizes the message and the contribution that the young mind can make. 

Public speaking helps to develop your child’s ability.

• Impactful communication with speech skills and enhanced vocabulary. 
• Increased self-esteem.
• Value of research & speech techniques: Any speech preparation involves research, absorption, structuring the speech, ensuring that the desired message is shared effectively. These are aspects in planning that get fine-tuned with the speech preparation. 
• The power of persuasion 

Role-playing in drama helps develop empathy in a child. 

Drama helps in the understanding of characters, develops imagination and expression of feelings, motivates undiscovered feelings, and sometimes helps in giving vent to negative feelings. Taking part in dramatic activities increases the self- confidence of the child.

Further, drama requires the actor to understand the context and circumstances of the character and the play. This again encourages the child to probe into the emotions underlying the character. Encouragement to depict the story and the character as per one’s own instinct and interpretation (if permitted by the director) can further develop the sensitivity and skill of the young actor.

Needless to say, if the child has the requisite interest and inspiration, he / she may pursue drama, theatre, cinema, film making, film production, etc. as a profession. 

Speech and Drama can also be the best medium to introduce children to high-quality literature, poetry, etc.

Topics ranging from classics to contemporary thought and emotion provoking works are selected for the speech & drama classes.  

Similarly, content of drama can be curated to enable exposure to classics / contemporary works.

Independent thought and expression can be encouraged in an engaging manner by getting the children to write / direct / act in their own plays. 

Children are encouraged to analyze each other’s works / performances to suggest improvements / alternate approaches to scripts. This is again a subtle way of introducing them to team dynamics and collaboration early in life, also helping them imbibe the ability of being objective about their work and absorbing feedback for learning value. 

Confident Communication Trainers are equipped to help children with various aspects like elocution, debate, poetry recital, critical reasoning, in addition to speech and drama. 

Children from multi-cultural backgrounds, in countries like the UAE, find it especially useful in their absorption of English language and its usage, in addition to helping them absorb multiple cultural nuances.

As we all pursue the vision of preparing our young minds for the aspirational roles that they would like to play in fashioning the future, these are some important aspects that can be woven into their development in an enjoyable and engaging manner, impacting them positively.

Importance of Graded Communication Skills Examinations

Team / By Juwel Gomes / January 15, 2022 January 15, 2022

Communication Skills Trinity College, London Examinations

When we asked some of our students across grades, to tell us why they felt graded exams were important here’s what they said;

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Grade 3: So, what were your main tasks for the Grade 3 exam and how did these tasks help you?

Well, overall the different interesting tasks helped me to gather my thoughts together – think deeply (carefully) about causes that matter and what concerned me. With the help of my trainer, I learnt how to make my talk interesting – I used a powerful introduction, made relevant and focused points and gave a thoughtful ending. I also learnt about precision and how to write my ideas in a logical manner.

In Task 2 I spoke about and described a place of interest I recommend. This encouraged me to think about all the different aspects that make a place interesting. I used descriptive language to bring the place alive. I spoke about Sri Lanka, my home country. My trainer helped me to use expressive vocabulary. This made the tourist destinations interesting and the cuisine of the place sound appetizing. I also learnt how to sound convincing and how to persuade the listener to visit the place. It was fun getting visual aids together. I displayed the pictures on a board with some catchy captions. This helped to make my talks visually more appealing.

Task 3 – The interactions with the examination helped me to develop my conversational and inter-personal skills. I am learning to use vocal skills, voice modulation, eye contact, gesture and facial expression to
make me a more animated speaker.

Overall, I’m on my way to becoming a more confident speaker because of the Communication
Skills exams!

Grade 4: Do you think the tasks for the Grade 4 examination will help you as a communicator – How and
why?
Definitely – I learnt to plan a proper presentation and how to express my ideas eloquently on a personal interest and challenge. Creating a power point presentation and using visual aids enhanced the presentation.
In high school and college, I will have to give presentations and will be evaluated so the Trinity Communication Skills exams are already giving me a head-start!

In Task 2, I learnt to inspire my audience through persuasive skills to participate in an activity ‘Waste Management’ It was interesting to learn how to be convincing, give relevant points and use gestures effectively etc. My trainer’s guidance helped me in all my tasks.

I found the last task for the Grade 4 exam most useful. I could express my ideas on the value of pause, emphasis, variations in pace to make a speech more impactful.

So I am learning the value of these speech techniques and will be using them in my communication henceforth. It has been wonderful learning how to integrate verbal and non-verbal skills to become a more animated speaker.

The Grade 4 Communication Skills exam taught me to keep the audience engaged throughout and to interact confidently with the examiner.

Grade 5: How do you think they develop your confidence?

Well, I have discovered I have a voice and how to use my voice to engage my audience!
The variety of tasks in the Grade 5 syllabus kept me stimulated throughout the examination preparation.
Giving a presentation on a charity ‘The Princess Trust’ made me realise how important it is to support a cause. It adds value to our lives if we support a cause and through our confident conviction persuade others too!

Task 2 encouraged me to listen to current news stories – the different ways the news is was delivered on the radio, TV, or as a podcast and then choose one which appealed to me. With the help of my trainer, I learnt the different techniques used to deliver a podcast, radio or TV broadcast.
Also learning how to handle different questions by the examiner helped me to think quickly on the spot and answer intelligently. This will be useful when I am interviewed by journalists when I become a celebrity.

The reflection task helps me to think things over carefully, answer thoughtfully with sensitivity and understanding.

Grade 6 (Advanced category of the Trinity Grade 6 examinations) – What stood out for you in the preparation of this exam?

I absolutely enjoyed preparing for this exam.
In the first task, we had to give a presentation on an idea for a business enterprise / creative endeavour or social event. This made me think about some of the greatest inventions. The Wright Brothers’ invention of the first aircraft and Steve Jobs creative Smart iPhone.
I enjoyed thinking about my own creative endeavour and worked on how to write out my speech, persuade the audience to buy my product, etc. I had to have a strong sense of audience throughout the presentation. The seeds of entrepreneurship have been sown! I
definitely learnt the value of persuasive skills.

Learning interview skills has been a great asset in Task 2 – My trainer and I had several interviews, and he gave me valuable tips. These will hold me in good stead in the future whether,I apply for a part time job in the summer, college interviews or later when I am ready for my career to take off.

This third unseen task was a little intimidating in the beginning. But it has helped me to do research on well-known speeches – how different speech language techniques make a speech emotive – whether it’s the use of repetition, use of rhetorical questions, using analogy and figurative language.
I learnt the value of being spontaneous and speak with flair.

Grade 7
The first task in Grade 7 – got me thinking about various social issues deeply and in a more reflective manner – Whether it was child labour, women’s rights – I chose what I felt deeply about and what was close to my heart.

Under the guidance of my trainer, I researched on the topic, added my thoughts and ideas.
Putting together the presentation helped me to assimilate information and choose what was most valid and relevant.

I learnt how to speak to an audience, include the personal element, and sustain an animated delivery. Developing a sense of audience is crucial throughout a presentation.
For the second task I had to discuss the content and delivery of an advertisement which was provided by the examiner. During these last few months, I have learnt to look at advertisements in a new light! I have understood the different techniques used – verbal and visual – Why & how they are persuasive – which Ads. are sincere and genuine, which are gimmicks and manipulative.

The last task being unseen, I was encouraged by my trainer to read about relevant social or political issues. This helped me to have stimulating discussion with the examiner who gave me an overview of an advertisement – my second task.
Engaging in a discussion with the examiner helped me realise the importance of understanding another person’s perspective and the significance of listening to, as a communication skill.

Grade 8
My communication journey with Confident Communication has been enriching in every way possible. Grade 8 has brought together all the Communication Skills I learnt over the years and enabled me to talk with authority and sensitivity on politics. I learnt to think quickly and express ideas spontaneously.
In Task 1, I gave a presentation on aspects of the communication process in politics. I gave a critical evaluation of communication tools used in politics. It was interesting to talk about styles of delivery, vocabulary and audio visuals used. I did my research by reading popular political speeches and watching related video clips. I enjoyed reflecting with the examiner on the range of communication skills used.

Task 2 was an unseen task. But the several scenarios I had practiced with my trainer helped me to master this task. I had to give a public address in response to a scenario – the outline for which, was provided by the examiner.

 I gave a public address on ‘The Wildlife Sanctuary – The Tour.’

In Task 3 I had to present an overview of a contentious issue from current affairs or social media. I chose to speak about Cancel Culture. Debating skills have helped to me reason out ideas, use persuasive skills and speak convincingly. My trainer helped me to think about two perspectives on a given issue and express my ideas concisely, coherently and convincingly.
The Trinity College, London Communication Skills exams undoubtedly introduce us to a wide range of communication skills. I have learnt to be analytical and perceptive. These exams have given me the confidence to take on different communication activities and speak with clarity and confidence – whether it is giving a public address at the podium, speaking up and speaking out in general or just interacting with a friend or acquaintance. 

I am well prepared to take on
different communication activities in university, in my future career and in life

To know more about our Graded Trinity College of London Examination you can drop us a WHATSAPP on + 971 52  714 3729  

Helping Children Communicate in the Digital Age

Team / By confidentcommunication / January 15, 2022 January 15, 2022

If you had met Varun two years ago, you would have been delighted to make the acquaintance of this sociable, enthusiastic, articulate 12-Year old. He blossomed in one of the premier schools in the city, under the guidance of his caring teachers. Like any other child, he was allowed an hour of electronic time to explore his favourite content online.

Come, December 2021, with nearly 20 months of all his learning and communication (with friends, family, classmates, teachers, community) coming from electronic platforms, Varun’s mode, means and understanding of communication has undergone a sea change with Zoom classes replacing his physical classroom. 

Today, his parents have realized that skilling him to communicate effectively, both online and offline, is the essential way forward. Notwithstanding their reservations on how much “electronic time” is “safe” for him.

So what does communication mean to parents and children in an era of virtual connections? 

From celebrations and online classes to webinars and more – the world is learning to communicate on digital platforms. With screens replacing school books and online classrooms becoming the only mode of learning, children have learnt to rapidly adapt and adopt the new normal. So how do parents bring a balance between physical and virtual communication? Parents need to ensure that their child does not lose touch with the critical aspects of human communication.

A few suggestions for parents to help your child communicate effectively in the digital age:

1. Use of positive body language like maintaining comfortable eye contact and open body language, the warmth of a smile, a pleasant greeting, understanding non-verbal cues and appropriate use of hands to express themselves better. 

2. Voice Projection, Facial Expressions, Tone and Pitch are critical elements of communication that can be used to express an emotion in different situations. A skilled communication skills trainer can help students understand the subtle differences and provide invaluable classroom exposure. 

3. While today’s children are digital natives, they may not necessarily be aware of the positive and the negative forms of digital communication. From virtual friends, and gaming apps to ads with inappropriate content, monitoring screen time to ensure your child is safe in this digital communication age, is a must.

4. Children observe and emulate – and parents will always be role models. So being highly aware of your physical and digital communication, will act as a guiding light.

5. Listening skills become even more important in the current scenario, when online fatigue sets in and communication tends to become impatient and hurried. Helping your child develop good listening skills will help build her/his overall communication skills. 

6. Building your child’s confidence is another critical skill set in the 21st century. Children should learn and master the art of Confident Communication – where they learn to Convey, Convince, and Concur in order to connect better with others. You can hone this skill through diligent guidance. A reputed and established communication skills institute can also help provide the much needed interactions with a skilled trainer as well as other students.

Maintaining conversation flow, engaging in meaningful debate and dialogue, employing the nuances of body language, exuding confidence and clarity, and above all expressing empathy and grace are all skills that a student can equip themselves with, as they prepare to excel in a world where communication is more important than ever before.

It is said that 7% per cent of meaning is communicated through the spoken word, 38 per cent through tone of voice, and 55 per cent through body language. Students across the globe are choosing to take courses in Public Speaking and Communication to help them master the skill of Effective and confident Communication.

From getting your family to agree to your choice of restaurant, convincing classmates and colleagues to work on a project with you, confident and assertive body language empowers verbal communication and brings others around to your point of view, teaching valuable leadership and negotiation skills.

Dealing with interpersonal conflict and other difficult conversations are useful when learnt at a young age.  The ability to manage expectations is also part of verbal communication, as is providing feedback. While some communication can be managed through emails, text messages and Zoom calls, face-to-face communication helps produce excellent teamwork.  Children build rapport and trust when they work together in person.

Improving verbal communication requires practice. And what you practice can be perfected. Speaking clearly and concisely, pacing your speech, and ensuring you don’t ramble or repeat yourself sends out a strong message about your personality.

In Dubai alone, several communication skills training institutes have moved to virtual classrooms and now conduct animated, energetic sessions on Elocution & Storytelling, Speech & Drama, Creative Writing skills, Public Speaking, Vocabulary Building and more for children as young as 6. Besides enhancing their communication skills children develop invaluable skills like group interaction, self-expression and creativity.

Trinity College, London Graded examinations help them develop communication skills through poetry, reading, drama, mime and performances. These classes also spark their imagination and encourage creative thinking.  

For older children in the 11-16 age group, advanced communication skills gives them the communication tool box that will later help them to participate in Group Discussion and Debates, hone their Speech Writing Techniques, Ace an interview, Demonstrate Impressive Leadership Skills, Speak Impromptu to a large audience, Build Rapport and Develop Inter-Personal Skills with people across cultures and be confident, composed and convincing.

The Trinity College, London (arguably one of the world’s most renowned vocational boards) Communication Skills graded examinations for individuals are designed for candidates to develop and refine a range of transferable communication skills. Through creating and delivering talks and presentations, acquiring speech writing techniques and interacting with the examiner in tasks focused on persuasion and negotiation, candidates develop skills that can have positive impact on their education, their future careers, their relationships and ultimately their own well-being. The syllabus has been thoughtfully devised to cover a wide range of interesting communication skills. 

For over 24 years Confident Communication a premier institute in the U.A.E. has helped students move from self-consciousness to self-confidence, with the guidance of passionate in-class trainers, equipped to train students in new age communication skills. We are grateful for the trust that parents place in us to guide their young wards to a confident future.

Today, at age 14, Varun has enhanced his vocabulary, voice modulation and expression to adapt to an online audience as well. His weekly sessions in Advanced Communication Skills give him an opportunity to keep practicing and evolving his skills as he prepares to take on the world with poise and self-belief, assurance, confidence and courage.

Online classroom sessions for preparation of graded examinations certified by The Trinity College of London Speech & Drama (for Age group: 6 to 10) and Communication Skills (for Age group: 11 to 16) and Writing Skills.