Date:20/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112051182100.htm

Back Major K. V. Rajan, Executive Director, Veta; JB Institute of Computer Technology, Tirupati

Our Bureau

Chennai, Nov. 19 Effective communication and soft skills complement one’s professional knowledge and are key to a person’s growth through the ranks, said Major K.V. Rajan, Executive Director, Veta.

Major Rajan was addressing MBA and MCA students of the JB Institute of Computer Technology in Tirupati at a BL Club event presented by Indian Overseas Bank.

Elaborating on communication skills, Major Rajan emphasised the need to choose the right vocabulary and structure in order to speak effectively. Further, effective verbal communication should be complemented with suitable delivery and the right body language.

He explained that though language played a significant role in communication, the right pitch (of voice) for delivery and effective use of body gestures and the play of eyes were major components of effective communication. Language was as important as salt in cooking. He gave the example of how a mother communicated with a small child who had a limited vocabulary but exercised more body language and voice.

He pointed out that communication becomes more effective if the language used was chosen keeping in mind the listener’s age. An effective communicator, he said, was visible to those around him or her thanks to his/her knowledge and expertise. He added that formal training would be required if one hoped to impress, motivate and lead.

Unless communication skills were blended with soft skills, one could not play an important role in the success of an organisation. However, since school and college level curriculum did not cater to the development of soft skills, it was imperative that one underwent formal training to enhance his or her soft skills.

Though technical capabilities were essential to build one’s career, soft skills would provide opportunities for growth in the organisation and serve as the candidate’s windows to the outside world.

He also spoke on select personal and interpersonal soft skills that could play a crucial role in one’s performance in the organisation and in personal life.

Self-esteem, integrity, honesty, time management, presentation skills, inter-personal communication and business etiquette were some of the soft skills one should develop. He emphasised that self-esteem played a vital role in developing other skills which depended on the methodology of learning in childhood.

Prof. G. Soma Sundaram, Principal of the College, presided over the function.