Going soft pays

Vivek Atray

 In these highly competitive times it is imperative for those on the threshold of college to not only refine their skill sets but also to get their priorities right. Some of the soft skills actually need to be developed by students right from their middle school days, but as not enough attention is paid to this aspect, students should start working on these from the first year of their college in order to draw maximum benefit after getting the degree. 

Some of these vital skills are:

n Oral skills

A very significant asset that a young person should develop is the ability to speak clearly and with confidence in public. This does not necessarily mean only the ability to speak on stage but also to a small group. Many people mistake the art of oral communication with the ability to use difficult words, but that is not true at all. Even if your vocabulary is limited and not flowery, you can learn to speak impressively and clearly. 

Students who do not practice their oral skills, feel inadequate when the time comes to speak up. They do not possess the confidence and the style required to make an impression. Correct pronunciation and the avoidance of common Indian errors are also important. It is, therefore, important for college-going students to practice the art of speaking on any particular topic for at least five minutes at a time. They will then be able to learn to form their ideas in their minds logically and will be able to put across their point constructively when the time comes. 

n Writing skills

Even those who are technically sound and extremely knowledgeable about their subject of specialisation, whether it is medicine or engineering or economics, often lack writing skills. The ability to communicate formally is sadly lacking in many graduates and even post-graduates. Common grammatical mistakes and punctuation errors often seep into a letter or an email. Again, it is not the use of extraordinary words that matters, but systematic and crisp sentences. By getting their written work specially checked by well-meaning teachers, students can pick up the skill of writing smart and satisfactory missives. Even while texting someone on the 

n Presentation skills

These days everyone has to deliver a presentation at work from time to time. Reviews and assessments and new proposals etc always require a Power Point Presentation or PPT to be prepared and delivered. People often make the mistake of using too much data on a PPT or long sentences. Once in college it will be preferable to hone this skill by seeking help from peers or seniors. PPTs should be clear and concise and should be delivered in a lucid and pleasing style. A little bit of humour and charm should also be used. 

n Conversation skills

One unfortunate fall out of this technology-driven era is the inability of a large percentage of our youth to carry out a face-to-face conversation. While they are very comfortable texting and communicating through their smart phones, very few of them actually pick up the art of conversation. Once in college make it a point to join a debate club, music club or even an adventure sport club (if it is there). These soical platforms provide ample opportunities to chisel your people skills that are very critical for success in career later on. Conversation skills also mean the ability to empathise with and understand the person seated across the table.

n Smiling skills

This may seem a little outlandish but a large number of people have forgotten how to smile and those who do smile artificially without showing real interest in the subject of discussion or the people they are with. Smiling has to come from the heart, and it will come if one is really interested in the company that one is in. Colleagues and friends who are your usual company should not be put off by a glum look or by meaningless smiles at the wrong moment in a conversation! Once again, such tendencies emanate from a distracted and half hearted approach to a meeting or conversation.

 Apart from imbibing the above skills, young people must cultivate their will power, positive thinking, emotional intelligence, a confident personality and the right dress sense. Possessing a well rounded persona will ensure true success in any career!

— The writer, a former IAS officer, is a motivational speaker and an author