Tackling the English Language

by with No Comment Uncategorized

A word after a word after a word is power – Margaret Atwood

Language is a formidable foe and the certain way to win this battle is with the weapons of persistence and consistency.  Be it English or any other language, mastering the components requires effort and dedication on the part of the learner. A mentor can pave the way, but the eventual result relies heavily upon the student’s willingness to learn.

Tackling the English Language

Vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure and pronunciation are the key elements of a language. The pursuit in this direction entails working on these aspects. A structured approach, backed by diligence and consistent effort, is the key to enhanced English communication skills. In addition, you continually need to push yourself or find your motivation. Mastering the English language is a daunting task and often on this treacherous journey, there’ll be an inclination to give up. Finding the zeal in you will help improve your English communication skills.

Immerse yourself in the language

In other words, embrace the English language as if it were your mother tongue! If you pick a magazine, pick one in English. If you switch on the news, opt for the English channels. Find your shows in English or at least keep the English captions on. Even while playing games on your phone, switch to the English language. If you have to speak to a customer care executive, go for the English option.

Experienced mentors shall pave the way

In order to improve your English communication skills, you need someone to lead the way. While there is enough available online to help you improve spoken English, following a proper approach ensures success and this is where trainers @ Conversation Club can help. With CC to assist with the task of improving communication skills, the learning path becomes easier and shorter. Here’s how we can help students across all age groups and backgrounds:

  • Experienced mentors to guide – English language experts help you strategize the way forward. By assessing the student’s current competence levels and by identifying the key problem areas, trainers at Conversation Club help devise the suitable English language learning plan. The plan is customized as per the learner’s requirements.
  • Professional guides to help you stay on track – With the plan in place, all it takes to master the English language is determination to go on and this is where we help you achieve the endeavour. Through regular guidance, our skilled trainers reinforce the idea of learning, thereby enhancing spoken and written English skills.
  • A constant friend who corrects and helps improve – We offer you the practical learning experience and ensure correction at each and every stage. This hand holding makes the learning program a rewarding and interesting journey for English language enthusiasts.

Be it in social circles or professional spaces, the English language these days is a mandate. From school interviews to college applications to job interviews to seemingly simple society luncheons and dinners, a command of the English language paves the way. Conversation Club is your partner and we can together achieve the objective of enhanced English communication skills.

If you want to say something, you must find the words!

by with No Comment Uncategorized

If you have an opinion and would like a platform to share, we welcome you to CC.

Creative writing is an art, that greatly helps improve the communication skills. At CC we encourage the use of English language in all formats and thus are delighted to extend this writing platform to all.

You are welcome to submit articles, which we shall publish on our blog, with your name & email id. This is an exercise, which will help improve the communication skills and thus is an opportunity for all learners. The option is open for all age groups and backgrounds. We shall promote your work on our social media pages and you too can promote the published work by sharing the links amongst your circles. Share your opinion & encourage your children to pen their thoughts!

Terms & Conditions

William Wordsworth said, ‘fill your paper with the breathings of your heart’, our rule – ‘Don’t let AI drive your emotions’. The articles, if AI generated, will not qualify. Additionally, we strongly condemn copied work and thus plagiarised entries too will not be entertained.

All articles will be reviewed by our content team and once approved, will be published along with a media presentation (audio/video). The articles should be a minimum 300 words.

*We reserve the right to modify / reject any entry.

**This is not a paid opportunity & we do not provide any kind of certification.

For any further queries, drop a mail @ connect@conversationclub.in

Personality Development: Discovering Your Best Self

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Personality development is all about growing and improving yourself for an even happier and successful life. It’s how we connect with others, tackle challenges, and see the world around us. When you work on developing your personality, you not only boost your self-confidence but also create a more fulfilling life experience.

Getting to Know Personality Development

So, what is personality? It’s a mix of traits you’re born with and the habits you build over time. While our genetics play a part, our life experiences, the people we meet, and the choices we make shape who we become. Personality development is all about polishing these elements to help you become a well-rounded person.

Key Ingredients of Personality Development                  

A strong personality isn’t just about being the life of the party; it includes several important qualities that help us grow.

  • Self-Awareness: Knowing yourself is the first step! By understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and feelings, you can make those conscious choices to improve and grow.
  • Confidence and Self-Esteem: Being confident makes you more respected and trustworthy. Building confidence comes from accepting yourself, feeling capable, and maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Effective Communication: Being able to express yourself and actively listen is key to forming great relationships. Good communication isn’t just about words; it’s also about body language and the tone you use.
  • Emotional Intelligence: It’s all about managing your feelings and understanding others. Empathy, patience, and resilience can enhance your interactions with people.
  • Adaptability and Open-Mindedness: A flexible personality welcomes change and is eager for new experiences. Being adaptable helps you grow in both personal and work settings.
  • Self-Discipline and Responsibility: Owning your actions and having a disciplined routine can lead to success. Being responsible earns you trust and respect from others.

Steps to Boost Your Personality

Improving your personality requires some consistent effort and a bit of self-reflection. Here are some friendly tips to help you on your journey:

Begin by cultivating a positive mind set. A cheerful perspective brings in opportunities and helps you grow. Focus on finding solutions instead of getting bogged down by problems. Alongside it is imperative to work on your Communication Skills. Get involved in conversations, practice public speaking, and work on your body language to become a more effective communicator. The stated can be enabled by expanding your knowledge base. Never stop learning! Reading, taking courses, or trying new experiences not only boosts your confidence but also keeps you adaptable. The stated can be seamlessly managed with the help of Conversation Club.  The experienced trainers at Conversation Club help you work on your communication skills and knowledge base thereby enabling overall personality development.

Additionally, embrace empathy and work on your social Skills. Try to see things from others’ perspectives. Engaging in active listening and showing kindness enhances your social interactions. Working on physical and mental well-being is also imperative. Healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and being mindful contribute to an energetic and balanced personality. As the next step set goals and try to stay motivated. Create personal and professional goals to give yourself direction. Staying motivated and taking small, consistent steps will help you reach your dreams. And of course, quite importantly embrace feedback and persistently target self-improvement. Constructive criticism is a treasure trove of insights. Being open to feedback and focusing on the areas where you can improve leads to growth.

Remember, little steps taken consistently can lead to big changes. Enjoy the journey of personality development with Conversation Club … it’s truly rewarding!

Content Credits: Drishikha Makkar (drishikhamakkar.12@gmail.com)

Understanding the vital role of Body Language in everyday Communication

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Do you know that as per studies, verbal communication i.e. your words only have about 7% influence in shaping the communication, the remaining 93% is governed by your facial expressions, head nods, eyeball movements etc. Be it evading contact or fidgety leg movement, the way you physically conduct yourself determines the impact of your message.

While a handful are consciously aware of the stated fact, most of us tend to overlook the pertinence of body language these days. Simply put body language is a non-verbal form of communication expressed through facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, head movements, handshakes, smiles and more. In other words, it plays a vital role in personality development i.e. how we convey emotions, build connections and influence others. As they say, your body speaks even when your lips don’t move. When something is clearly so critical, it is only but logical that we delve into pertinent aspects of non-verbal communication.

Smile: A Natural Anti-Aging Elixir

Have you ever come across this beautiful quote by Dalai Lama?
“A simple smile. That’s the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others.”

Isn’t that so true? A smile has this amazing ability to change someone’s mood in an instant. It’s like a little spark that can light up not just your face but also the hearts of those around you, no matter how you look, a genuine smile makes you look Gorgeous!!!
I still remember the day I went for my first scan after years of trying to conceive. My heart was pounding with hope, but in a cruel twist of fate, my joy was shattered – it was an Ectopic pregnancy. The news hit me like a storm, leaving me in a state of shock and panic. Tears welled up in my eyes, and fear gripped my heart as the doctor declared my surgery an emergency.

Amidst the chaos, my doctor walked in with a warm-reassuring smile and said “We will surely try our best to help you take a baby Home”. Her smile wasn’t just an expression – it was a life line, soothing my mind and giving me the strength to face what lay ahead.

The Power of a Nod

A nod is a powerful yet often misunderstood element of body language. It can speak volumes without uttering a word, but it’s meaning shifts across cultures. In my experience as an expat, people in Kerela nod a lot – almost as if their heads are dancing to an unspoken rhythm of agreement. On the other hand, in many Middle Eastern countries, nodding is used sparingly. They believe excessive nodding dilutes the message, adding too much water to a strong cup of tea. For them a well-placed nod is like a punctuation mark, used just enough to emphasize but not so much that it blurs the intent. Funny, isn’t it?

I remember the school canteen man who had a unique way of nodding. Every time we placed an order, he would bob his head in a way that left us utterly confused – was that a Yes or a No, or just a random movement? We would stand there, awkwardly waiting for confirmation, only to see our order magically appear a few minutes later. It was like an unspoken language we never fully cracked.
Gestures can be misinterpreted. What seems like a simple nod in one culture can leave people second-guessing in another. Whether it’s a subtle tilt or an enthusiastic bow, the meaning of a nod isn’t always universal. Sometimes, it’s a handshake of the head; other times it’s just a mystery.  

Eyes Speak Louder

Jonathan Bryan’s book “Eye Can Write” is a testament to the incredible power of the eyes. Despite being unable to move or speak due to a severe disability, he expressed his thoughts emotions and dreams solely through eye movements. It’s fascinating how much we communicate without words- sometimes a single gaze can say more than a thousand sentences.

Let’s think about it: when a stranger stares at you for too long, it sends a shiver down your spine, triggering a mix of fear and confusion. On the other hand, a teacher in a classroom relies on eye contact to gauge attentiveness. If even one student keeps looking away, it can be frustrating, almost like talking to a wall. Similarly, a receptionist handling patient’s queries must maintain proper eye contact- too little might seem indifferent, too much could make you perplexed.

The eyes don’t just see, they speak. A fleeting glance can express nervousness, a lingering gaze can build trust and a sharp stare can intimidate. In every interaction, from personal conversations to professional encounters, eye contact plays a crucial role in shaping perception. Jonathan Bryan’s story proves that even without speech or movement, one can still connect deeply with the world – through the language of the eyes.

Content Credits: Huda Tasneem (hudatasneem1991@gmail.com)

Applications of English for adults in everyday life

by with No Comment Uncategorized
  • Social Interactions – Be it with your child’s teacher or husband’s friends or wife’s relatives from abroad, fluent English conversations leave an impression. From simple introductions to meaningful exchanges about personal matters, a strong grasp of the language goes a long way.
  • Career Growth – Irrespective of the profession or profile, there’s hardly a white collar job holder who can deny the importance of English in the overall career advancement. Be it preparing a presentation for an upcoming meeting or an office lunch with the management, seamless communication is simply essential.
  • Kid’s education & Upbringing – As a parent we understand the pertinence of effective communication. We expect our kids to excel academically and want them to be intellectually mature. Be it academic excellence or personality development, without a proper understanding of the English language, the mission cannot be accomplished. Parents are the foundation of learning for a child and thus if we have strong communication skills, kids shall naturally adapt.
  • Travel – Be it a short vacation to an English speaking nation or long term plans to permanently move, command of the global language goes a long way. English can simply make your life much easier in a foreign nation and different states of India.
  • Trade – Setting up one’s business, importing and exporting from other countries, communicating with vendors and customers from across the globe are just a few practical applications of English in this category. Your ability to fluently converse in English leaves a positive mark on your prospective clients / associates. Communication can impress!!  
  • Entertainment – An understanding of the language opens doors to infinite content. You can enjoy an endless variety of shows and can fully assimilate the wonderful literary works from across the globe. Horizons beautifully expand with the familiarization of this global language.

English is the accepted language of the world and thus for successful sustenance, one must get accustomed to it. Not only corporate survival depends heavily on this language, even seemingly simple daily life connections cannot thrive without a proper understanding of the English language.

Learning can be FUN!!!

The idea of learning or joining classes shouldn’t bring back nightmares of the past. Language is not just a useful tool, it is also a very interesting hobby. At Conversation Club, we understand the mental barriers faced by adults and thus accommodate for challenges. We focus on the practical aspect of communication and thus work with you on a customized learning program that focuses upon the imperatives of day-to-day practical communication requirements.

Language is a Weapon … Practice and empower yourself  

Join Conversation Club and improve your practical Communication Skills

Don’t let AI cripple your kid

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Be it a simple mathematical calculation, an English assignment for school or for that matter the captions for a reel they are editing, children these days are simply unable to operate without the artificial intelligence tools.

Try an experiment to understand better.

Give your child a small writing task, could be a letter or even a text message in English, without the help of any online tool or search engine. Just leave your kid with a pen and a notebook and check the results. Even a basic task like the stated will turn into a mammoth challenge. Now let your child be in the room with a mobile or ipad or a laptop and try the same exercise. You will have your answer in minutes. Thanks to programs like Chat GPT, all answers are readily available.

Don’t confuse gadget friendliness with intelligence

My uneducated maid’s three year old daughter (doesn’t go to school) is able to operate smartphone seamlessly. She is able to scroll through reels and even save selected ones in playlist. Does this mean she is super intelligent?

We often hear grownups say things like kids today are so intelligent. Look at how comfortable they are with technology. Well of course they are comfortable with smartphones, Bluetooth speakers and laptops; these are akin to toys for them. Children now days are more exposed to gadgets than books. In an average Indian household, at any given time, the number of gadgets on a table will exceed the number of books or newspapers. So if they can operate the keypad efficiently or have exceptionally developed online surfing skills, it doesn’t qualify as an adequate indicator of intelligence.

AI is hampering creativity

If a few clicks can get you all the answers, why bother? Google, Siri, Alexa know it all. Why think … let’s just ask them!

This is the typical mindset of a child these days. Easily available information is making life easier but at the same time, it is restricting the thought process. Rather than thinking about the situation, kids are merely relying on automated system generated responses. Small things like reading a map / chart on the metro station to check the train route seem impossible; they’d rather check the phone for next station details. A child’s creative growth is being largely hampered in the process. Resultantly, practical life skills like problem solving and abstract thinking are taking a major hit!

AI is promoting an emotionally challenged generation

Since the kids are no longer used to the idea of understanding things and preparing for adequate responses, their ability to perceive situations and accordingly manage circumstances is largely being challenged. Owing to the nuclear family structures and working parents, most of the time these days is spent with AI tools, which leads to emotional development issues and creates problems like social anxiety. The dependence on texting is so much that rather than speaking with a person, they rely on emojis to convey the message.

Provide the needed Learning Environment

AI has caused way too much dependence on technology. This excessive technical engagement, coupled with reduced human interaction, is impacting the child’s intellectual and psychological growth. They thus need an environment where they are encouraged to think and express in words. A schema like ‘Conversation Club’, which is driven by emphasis on the art of communication is the need of the hour!

Communication Skills & Academic Excellence

by with No Comment Uncategorized

‘Envisage’, ‘social contract’, ‘resplendent’, ‘grievances’, ‘hoarding’… these are just a few words from the very first chapter of the history book grade IX. We’ve all heard our children crib about the complex and boring chapters. We have witnessed their struggles with learning. We have seen them cram up the material and often wondered about the fruitfulness of this exercise. I mean if kids have to memorize those hefty books and not remember a word after the day of the exam, what is the point of it all??

What if the child doesn’t have to memorize it all? What if instead of just trying to remember each and every word of the sentence, they understood the idea covered in the chapter and phrased the answer in their own words. Wouldn’t this understanding of the concept enable long term benefits in terms of academic success?

The stated is just one of the many benefits of improved communication skills in the life of students.

Communication skills for students – See your child blossom!!

  • Better understanding of the scholarly curriculum – As elaborated above, the most critical aspect of enhanced language skills is the apparent ease of learning. Kids who understand the language better are not forced to robotically cram up the lessons. Owing to the evolved communication skills, they comprehend and thus enjoy better understanding and retention.
  • Increased class participation – Being able to comprehend and rephrase in their own words allows kids to ask questions and clearly answer when asked. A grasp of the English language brings clarity and thus enables two way communication between the educator and learner. Comprehension of the concept being taught thus paves the way for enhancement of the oral communication skills.
  • Emergence as a group leader – The one who has a tighter grip on the subject is naturally awarded the central chair in group discussions and class projects. Other students display natural confidence in the kid who is able to explain and thus the opportunities to lead and stand out, naturally follow.
  • Improved performance in written exams – Clarity of the subject and fluent written expression help frame better answers and thus the desired scores. Improved written communication skills further enable structured answers to meet the examiner’s criterion.
  • Overall confidence and life skills – Together the stated facets reap confidence in a child. The verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication ensure a learned and confident approach towards all kinds of academic and non-academic situations. Being able to express allows seamless exchange of ideas amongst teachers and students and parents and children.
  • Enhanced personal relationships ­– The ability to express helps form the desired bonds with other students. Kids face a lot of social issues on account of broken communication. Over dependence on gadgets and AI has fractured their ability to maintain real world relationships and this is where Conversation Club mends the broken bridges.

Working on communication skills is akin to watering the roots of the plant. It is a regular process and with the right guidance and supervision, fruits of success can be reaped. At Conversation Club, we provide a customized curriculum for students wherein the nuances of communication skills are carefully clubbed with academic concepts and thus learning among students is largely promoted.

Communication Skills – The Essential Ingredient of Life

by with No Comment Uncategorized

What are soft skills?

Definition – personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. Communication skills are an important element of the soft skills.

Communication skills in the life of a student!

Aman and Kriti are in the same grade and academically they are both decent students. In most of the subjects, they both score in the above average category and are usually ready with all answers. However, if you’ll ask teachers, Kriti will be the one they’d recognize in a batch of 40 students in the class. As for Aman, his report cards will reflect decent performance, but his participation in class and ability or rather the lack of ability to verbally express across various platforms ensures that he remains unnoticed. But how does it matter? He is a good student and will secure decent grades!

Well certainly he will perhaps score fine but his inability to effectively communicate will keep him hidden away from all opportunities. Despite being a hardworking student, he won’t be noticed or given a platform to perform even better because he is not able to display the knowledge that he has acquired by way of seamless communication.

Good communication is the bridge between confusion & clarity – Nat Turner

Communication skills in the life of a professional!

Who do you think will have a better chance at the interview, Aman or Kriti? Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario where both have completed the same courses from the same institution and have more or less similar mark sheets. As freshers, they are being considered for a profile that along with the technical skills, requires team work and reporting. Kriti, on account of the enhanced communication skills and exposure received as a student, will clearly outshine Aman and therefore her chances of bagging the job are higher.

Even if we consider a case where there are multiple opportunities and both get selected, the chances of Kriti working her way up the career ladder are much steeper. Any organization, irrespective of the industry or job profile, is seeking employees who can help integrate human resources and outshine as leaders. Honed soft skills, especially communication skills, help achieve the said objective.

Of all the life skills available to us, communication is perhaps the most empowering.” — Bret Morrison

Communication skills in relationships!

Relationships demand a lot of work and still many fail. While there are many reasons behind the troubles encountered by those in these failed relationship, a common denominator is the inability to express and understand each other. Communication isn’t just about saying, it is also about listening. In fact, an important element is the ability to listen and understand what the other person is trying to say. Additionally, one must be able to give appropriate words to the emotions they are going through and thus being proficient at the art of communication makes life much easier.

Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage of friendship, is conversation – Oscar Wilde

Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing – Rollo Reece May

Shhh!!! Mental health – don’t talk about it!

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Communication gaps and child’s mental health

If your child had a cold, you’d look for the right syrup in your medicine cabinet. If the kid hurt his knee, you’d fetch cotton and Dettol to clean up the wound. If there are lice in your child’s hair, you’ll search and buy the suitable anti lice kit. However, if the kid has trouble expressing himself or if the child is not able to understand in school or talk freely with people around her, the reaction is to either ignore the problem or scare them into performing better.

Why do we Indian parents have such a hard time dealing with mental problems? Why is it that instead of helping our children through these difficult times, we abandon them because of our own irrational prejudices?

The stigma associated with mental health

Stigma Meaning – A mark of shame!!!

My child cannot be sick!!! Do you ever say this to a doctor if your child is running a fever??

No … you instead look for the best doctor and avail the most suited medication for treatment. However, when it comes to problems related to their social, emotional or psychological well–being, it is all a hushed – hushed topic.

This lack of understanding, compassion and communication makes the problem even bigger than it has to be.

Mental health of children and young adults

Psychological issues do not mean that the person is mad and needs to be institutionalized or disbarred from society. They have varying impacts and in the majority of the cases, the impact isn’t severe. In fact, if treated well in time and dealt with cautiously, the symptoms can be managed and the issues can be gradually minimalized.

Communication & social skills of children suffering from mental health challenges

The communication gap is the biggest challenge when it comes to diagnosing & treating children and young adults. On account of the stigma attached with the problem, a large majority of kids facing these issues aren’t even diagnosed properly. Parents are too worried about their societal image and thus instead of assimilating the essence of the problem, they resort to evasion tactics. The desire to ignore and hide the problem allows the poison to spread.

Even the children themselves are scared of this ignorant public outlook and thus find it unsafe to share their problems with anybody. Their silence takes different forms – some face anxiety and depression, while others opt for a more stubborn approach, where they end up hurting themselves and others around them.

Foster an environment of empathy and acceptance

We the parents, educators and the community have to be more accepting. We are all mature adults here and it is imperative that we be more caring and empathetic towards the problems these children and young adults are facing. Mental health discussions aren’t and shouldn’t be considered taboo. As a society, we ought to grow and that shall only happen when we promote life driven by open conversations regarding all fields including mental health in children and adults.

Communication skills enable growth & mental health!

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Being able to express improves self-image and imparts confidence in kids.

Communication skills training is imperative for the young ones for numerous reasons. While better communication skills help in every field, when it comes to mental health, the ability to communicate effectively has quite a few advantages. For a growing kid, self-image and confidence are vital ingredients of development and these elements are strongly linked to the child’s ability to effectively communicate in his / her environment. Thus, when it comes to communication skills training, special attention from the very start is a mandate.

Communication gaps & mental health

It seems natural that kids talk and convey their message; so what is the whole fuss about communication skills? Well yes, kids talk and they try to send out the message, but the aspect that demands attention is if they are actually able to convey the right message, comprehend what is being said and what happens if they are not!

To understand better, take the case of an infant. The baby is too young to use words or sign language and thus resorts to crying whenever anything is needed. Parents eventually get accustomed to these signs and the baby’s schedule and thus comply as per their understanding to satisfy the baby. Eventually, this child is expected to make use of spoken words and adequate sentences to express. The growth seems natural and perhaps in the safety of the home environment and in the language used at home, kid is able to convey the thoughts.

However, as the kid grows and moves out into the real world, things change quite rapidly. From physical surroundings to people, from language to mannerisms, everything changes drastically. Further clubbed with competition and academic pressures, many kids find it quite challenging to maintain pace.

How can communication skills help maintain the needed wellbeing?

This challenge which is posed by the outside world, can be countered by enhancing the communication skills. Communication skills training works on a very simple formula.

Key components:

  • To be able to say / write the desired message using the correct grammar & sentence structure.
  • Ability to patiently listen to others.
  • Capability to hear and understand what is being said, including the meaning of unsaid words and used language tones.
  • Respond in an appropriate manner, using the right set of words.

Crying for everything might work for a 1 year old, but a 10 year old or a teenage does not have the luxury to simply replace words with sounds. An authentic expression of thoughts is the only solution to the problem. The mentioned components, when suitably mixed, provide the needed communication support for enhanced self-image and self-monitored positive expression.

Why Conversation Club for communication skills training?

The focus at Conversation Club is imparting the needed elements of communication, while strictly working as per the individual child’s needs. Customized practical communication sessions for kids ensure learning at a reasonable pace. We understand their struggles and provide a communicative curriculum that enables learning & development.