Communication skills form the corner stone of soft skill, according to Ms Nivedita Mirajkar, faculty at Srinivas Institute of Management Studies, Mangalore.
She said this while giving a Business Line Club lecture on ‘Hard truths about soft skills' for final year M.Com students of St Agnes Centre for Postgraduate Studies in Mangalore. Business Line Club lecture was sponsored by Syndicate Bank.
Stating that every human being has to essentially and effectively communicate with others, she said effective communication is the hallmark of one's education.
On written communication skill, she said that writing evaluates proficiency indications, spelling grammar of a person. Errors committed while writing circulars, reports and agenda spoil the image of the writer.
Good visual presentation using graphics, colour, and balanced design layout add to written communication skills, she said.
On presentation skill, Ms Mirajkar said that presentation skills include planning, preparation and delivery of the message. Making a formal speech is one form of presentation. She said that presentation skills can be broadly categorised into physical, oral and electronic.
Highlighting leadership skills, she said that motivational techniques should bring out the best in people.
Speaking on interpersonal skills, Ms Mirajkar said that man is a social animal and his success in life largely depends on his relationship and interaction with others.
Stating that it is essential to respect the views and sentiments of others, she said when a person wants to differ with their views, he/she must very politely give hints to them without wounding their feelings.
Even body languages such as gestures, postures, facial expression and eye contact play a major role in soft skills, she added.
Ms Malini Almeida, Manager of Syndicate Bank, and Dr Nancy Vaz, Head of the Commerce Department of St Agnes Centre for Postgraduate Studies, were present on the occasion.