Effective communication is the key to success, be it in your personal or professional life. The increased usage of the social network has got the world closer and globalization has made English the accepted language across countries.

Having a good grasp of the language and being able to communicate in English is now a must. Whether you work alone, lead a team or are a member of a group, it is essential to have your ideas, thoughts and emotions clearly expressed and explained so there is no room for misunderstanding and the task at hand can be completed efficiently.

With the increased exposure to technology and rapidly decreasing concentration power, it is difficult to capture the interest of your audience long enough to fully communicate your idea hence it is essential to learn the art of not only corresponding accurately but also in the quickest and most captivating way.

It is imperative to make kids understand the importance of communication at an early age and giving them exposure to various activities and methods by which they can enhance the same. This will not only allow them to adopt this skill more easily and develop it as they grow but it will also become second nature to them and they will be able to communicate easily and naturally whenever needed.

Listed below are some activities that encourage your child to open up and express themselves with confidence and in a result-oriented manner.

1. Reverse Pictionary

A fun game for all ages played with a twist.

The child is given a word which is to be drawn and correctly guessed by someone else based on the description, direction and details provided by the child. This will enhance your child’s ability to instruct and find the most suitable way to describe objects and situations so others can follow and identify easily.

This can be played with just two people or in a larger group and prepares your child to play the role of a leader or group member whichever is required of them in any situation.

2. Taboo

A fun way to pick up an essential skill.

Give the child a word to make others guess along with a list of words that can’t be used. No action, no sounds and no help of another language. Just alternate words to make others come to the original word.

This will encourage them to think out of the box and look for different connections and scenarios through which the same message can be communicated. Especially useful when your child had to address people from different backgrounds and language skills.

3. Debate

Debates either against an opponent or Infront of an audience that needs convincing is a time tested method of effective communication.

Give your child a topic to prepare in advance and set a word limit to put across their point or make it impromptu and give them a time limit to convey their message. Pitch them against another child opposing their opinion or just have them express their feelings and thoughts about a particular situation.

Either way, the need to be able to make you understand their side of the argument and to be able to convince you is the most effective way for them to give words to their thought and an excellent way to make them better orators and speakers.

4. Mime

Again a game we play so often. Give your child a word or phrase that he makes others guess through actions alone.

Mime or Dumb Charades can be frustrating, getting your message across without talking is never easy but once you do, it makes you understand the power of communication through actions, expressions, and emotions.

Effective communication is not words alone, it is a combination of all your senses and should take into account your surroundings, your audience and the essence of the message to be transmitted. Getting through to others without the use of words makes your child more sensitive, broadens their horizon and greatly enhances their communication skills.

5. Going for Theatre and Movies

Your child does not always have to physically engage in an activity to learn. Passive learning can be just as effective and rewarding. Being an audience, watching and listening is also an effective way to pick up the art of communicating.

Since it is a combination of visual and audio it captivates the child’s attention, connects better with them and hence goes a long way in their learning process.

Expose your children to age-appropriate theatre and movies, and let them discover the art of being able to interact with a large audience and communicate relevant messages within a given time frame.

6. Reading

There is very little, or maybe nothing at all that can replace reading.

A book can sweep you off your feet and carry you to a world of fantasy, take you back in time and live the life of another or enhance your imagination and make you see the future. Reading increases your vocabulary, gives wings to your creativity and teaches you the art of stringing words together in a way that talks to your audience.

Surround your child with books of all genre, encourage the habit of reading and summarising, this will not only expand their word bank but also provide them with a guideline on how to put their thoughts into words and communicate better.

7. Classes and Workshops

Getting expert advice is always recommended to help your child excel.

Enrolling them for spoken English classes for kids, public speaking workshops or theatre workshop is also an excellent way to strengthen their communication skills. This provides the advantage of having an expert guide to direct the child and regularly monitor their progress.

Choose a combination of fun games and play-way methods along with the traditional form of reading and public speaking to teach your kids the right communication skills. This will make them enjoy the process and more willing to participate in the activities and ensure that what they learn stays with them for life.