You can have the best degree, top scores, and even sound technical knowledge, but if you can’t express your thoughts clearly, you’ll always be at a disadvantage.
As a mentor and career counsellor, I’ve spoken to hundreds of students and their parents. In our coaching sessions too, we often find that students who struggle to express themselves… struggle to succeed.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the importance of communication skills is often underestimated.
Parents focus on grades. Students worry about college entrance exams or job interviews. But the one thread that connects all stages of a child’s journey, from school to career, is how well they can communicate.
So let’s talk about it—why communication skills are not just “nice to have,” but absolutely essential for your child’s future.
Think It Doesn’t Matter? Let’s Look at the Data
According to a report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 73.4% of employers look for strong written communication skills on résumés. Even more—77.5%—said verbal communication was one of the most important qualities they consider in a candidate.
So what does this mean for your child?
Imagine your child preparing for a college interview or a campus placement. They’ve got the grades, maybe even some project work under their belt. But when it comes time to speak—introduce themselves, explain their ideas, or simply hold a confident conversation—they freeze or fumble.
Communication plays a direct role in career growth, leadership, teamwork, and even client handling. And here’s the thing: the importance of communication skills doesn’t end after the job is secured—it only grows.
So, What Exactly Are Communication Skills?
Let’s clear up a common misunderstanding:
❌ It’s not just about speaking fluent English
✅ It’s about expressing thoughts clearly, even under pressure
Communication is a mix of several skills—not just talking or writing. At CCC, we often break it down into something we call The 4 Cs of Communication:
- Clarity – Explaining ideas in a way others can actually understand
- Confidence – Presenting or speaking up without hesitation
- Connection – Listening, asking questions, and adapting to your audience
- Control – Knowing when to speak, how to pause, and using the right tone or body language
When we talk about strong communication skills in English, we’re really talking about confidence—like how your child shares ideas during a group project or explains their thinking during a one-on-one interview.
Why Today’s Students Can’t Afford to Ignore It?
Technical skills matter, no doubt. But with so many tools available—and companies able to automate or outsource much of the work—what continues to hold value is this: people who can think clearly and communicate even better.
In a world where even technical skills are replaceable, the ability to express your thinking becomes your edge.
Take the case of Riya and Kunal.
Both were bright students. Their academic scores were nearly identical. Their technical skills? Equally solid. But when it came to interviews, the difference was clear.
Riya could explain her ideas with clarity, speak confidently, and contribute meaningfully in group discussions. Kunal, though intelligent, struggled—he avoided eye contact, gave brief answers, and often lost track of his thoughts.
Who got the offer? Of course, it was Riya. She had the edge—and she aced the interviews. Today, she’s doing well in her career.
That’s the difference communication makes. It’s not about being outgoing. It’s about being able to express what you know—especially when it matters most.
I worked with both of them as they prepared for top B-school admissions. (Names changed for privacy.)
Riya had spent the past year sharpening her communication skills through mock interviews, debates, and presentations. She practised staying composed under pressure and learned to organize her thoughts quickly.
Kunal didn’t. He was bright, no question. But when the actual interview came, nerves got the better of him. He struggled to articulate his thoughts—and he didn’t make the cut.
Both were capable. Only one could communicate that
That’s why communication isn’t optional. It’s the skill that brings everything else together.
The Classroom Doesn’t Always Teach This
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: our school system is heavily focused on academic performance. And while that’s important, soft skills like communication often take a backseat.
Most classrooms focus on what to say. Rarely do they teach how to say it—and that’s where deeper career clarity work really begins.
Many students excel in written exams but hesitate to speak up in group discussions. They can solve complex problems but freeze during interviews.
This gap becomes even more noticeable when students enter the real world. Whether they’re applying for internships, college admissions, or job placements, a lack of effective communication skills in English often holds them back.
That’s why I’m frequently asked by both parents and students: How can students improve their communication skills?
How to Improve Communication Skills for Students?
Here’s how we help students build real-world communication skills—both at home and through coaching.
These are small steps that build lasting habits:
Encourage Reading and Reflection
Reading books, articles, and essays in English exposes students to structure, tone, and vocabulary. But don’t stop there. Ask your child to explain what they read. This builds both comprehension and expression.
Make Speaking a Habit
Whether it’s dinner-table conversations or school presentations, practice helps. Encourage your child to talk about their day, explain something they learned, or share an opinion. It builds fluency, clarity, and confidence.
Join a Club or Workshop
Debate clubs, drama, elocution, or even storytelling groups can be game changers. If your school doesn’t offer it, find a local or online option. These activities sharpen real-time communication and boost confidence.
Record and Review
Have your child record a 1-minute video every day—talking about anything they like. When they watch it back, they’ll start spotting filler words, unclear sentences, or nervous tics. It’s an easy way to self-improve.
Get Expert Guidance
Sometimes, a little structured help can go a long way. As a career counsellor, I offer specific modules and sessions focused on how to improve communication skills for students. These aren’t just lectures—they’re hands-on, practical, and customised for each child’s comfort level.
👉 On a scale of 1 to 5, how confident does your child feel speaking in a group?
That one question can tell you where to start.
The Role of English: More Than Just a Language
Whether your child is applying to an MNC, planning to study abroad, or taking part in a group discussion, English matters—a lot. It’s the common working language in many parts of the world and often a deciding factor in both global and corporate settings.
To stand out, they need clarity of thought, a clear structure while speaking or writing, and the confidence to use English comfortably in real-world situations.
📊 95% of employers in non-English-speaking countries consider English a key skill for recruitment. (Source: “English at Work” report by Cambridge English and QS, based on a survey of 5,000+ employers across 38 countries).
Especially in India, where English is often the gateway to corporate and global roles, strong English communication skills aren’t just helpful—they’re expected.
Communication Is Leadership
If you want your child to grow into a leadership role—whether as a team lead, manager, or entrepreneur—communication is non-negotiable. Leaders need to explain their vision, inspire others, manage conflicts, and build trust.
Without strong communication, even the best ideas remain locked inside.
Do you see your child as a future leader? Then their voice is their tool—and their story needs practice.
All of that starts with strong communication. And again, that’s where the importance of communication skills comes in.
What Happens When Students Don’t Develop These Skills?
- Missed opportunities during interviews
- Lack of confidence in group discussions
- Poor performance in presentations
- Difficulty networking or building professional relationships
- Misunderstood instructions or ideas at the workplace
These aren’t just missed opportunities—they’re growth areas that can absolutely be strengthened with the right support and coaching.
I see it all the time: bright, capable students losing ground—not because they lack knowledge, but because they were never taught how to communicate clearly in English. The good news? This is a skill they can build. And it changes everything.
What Can Parents Do?
You might be thinking, but how do I support my child in building these skills?
Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a communication expert. Small, everyday actions at home can make a real difference.
- Create a “No-Judgement” Zone
Many students hesitate to speak up because they fear being corrected or judged. Encourage open conversation at home—where your child can express ideas without being interrupted or laughed at. This is especially helpful if your child is shy or self-conscious about speaking English.
- Focus on Listening
Good communication starts with good listening. Ask your child to summarise a movie you watched together, a podcast episode, or even a classroom discussion. The goal isn’t to test them—but to build the habit of absorbing and rephrasing thoughts clearly.
- Model It
Children learn a lot from watching. If you model calm, clear, and respectful communication—whether in your work calls or family discussions—they’re more likely to follow.
- Talk Careers Early
Start conversations about careers, not just marks. If your child wants to be a doctor, engineer, designer, or entrepreneur, talk about what those roles really involve.
You’ll quickly see how the importance of communication skills applies across every single profession.
Feedback: Add a CCC-inspired tool idea here.
E.g., “Try our ‘Weekly Expression Challenge’—a 5-minute parent-child speaking activity we use with our coaching students.”
Worried your child is only focusing on marks?
📌 Try This at Home: The Weekly Expression Challenge
Choose one day a week where your child explains anything they love—music, sports, a recent project—while you listen without interrupting. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Then, switch roles. This builds fluency, reflection, and connection—together.
How We Help Students Build Real-World Communication Skills?
We work with students through every stage—academics, career planning, and yes, communication development.
Here’s what we focus on:
- One-on-one sessions that help identify each student’s strengths and gaps
- Group discussions, mock interviews, and feedback loops
- Real-world exercises like resume reviews, presentation training, and impromptu speaking
- Practical tools to build the importance of communication skills in English, especially for students who come from regional-language backgrounds
- We also guide parents on how to improve communication skills for students at home, with easy-to-follow exercises and regular check-ins
Because the world doesn’t just reward knowledge. It rewards those who can share that knowledge with confidence.
In Conclusion
From college interviews to career growth, communication skills aren’t optional—they’re essential. English, especially, plays a key role in shaping your child’s future. It’s about helping them find their voice and use it with confidence.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here for you. Book a session with us, and we’ll build a personalized roadmap for your child—one that goes beyond marks and prepares them for life outside the classroom. Because the world doesn’t just hire skill sets. It hires people who can think, speak, and connect.
