Bridging Horizon -The Communication Edge: The Skill Behind Being Heard

The Centre for Academic and Professional Support (CAPS), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, organised The Communication Edge: The Skill Behind Being Heard on 24 October 2026 at the Seminar Hall, Management Block. The session was led by Mr. Robert Rayappa, Sales Support Specialist at ServiceNow and GRC Wissda, who guided students through the importance of effective communication in academic, professional, and personal settings.

The session focused on a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of communication: it is not merely about sending a message but ensuring that the other person understands it. Through practical examples, interactive activities, and everyday scenarios, students explored how communication influences relationships, teamwork, and professional growth.

1. Understanding Communication Beyond Words

The session began by exploring what communication truly means. Students were encouraged to recognise that successful communication depends not only on what is said but also on how effectively the message is understood. An interactive activity, Draw What You Hear, demonstrated how the same instructions can be interpreted differently, highlighting the importance of clarity, precision, and feedback.

2. Exploring the Different Ways We Communicate

Students examined five essential dimensions of communication: verbal, non-verbal, written, visual, and listening. From facial expressions, posture, and eye contact to emails, presentations, and everyday conversations, the session highlighted how each form influences the exchange of information. Examples involving tone in spoken communication and context in written messages demonstrated how the same words can convey different meanings depending on how they are delivered or interpreted.

3. Recognising Communication Barriers

The session explored the communication process, from the sender and message to the channel, receiver, and feedback. Students learned how assumptions, notifications, language, jargon, and mood can create communication barriers. The discussion emphasised the importance of checking understanding, minimising distractions, and ensuring that messages are received as intended.

4. Building Communication Habits for Everyday Life

Practical strategies encouraged students to strengthen their communication skills through consistent practice. Key takeaways included leading with the main point, understanding the audience, choosing the appropriate communication channel, listening to understand rather than respond, and giving others undivided attention. Students were also encouraged to ask thoughtful questions, express difficult messages kindly, and summarise important conversations in writing.

5. Communicating Effectively in the Age of AI

A particularly relevant discussion explored the role of Artificial Intelligence in modern communication. Students learned how AI can assist with drafting, grammar correction, summarisation, translation, and rephrasing. However, the session reinforced that human judgement remains essential for understanding the audience, interpreting emotions, expressing genuine intent, and building trust. The emphasis was on using AI thoughtfully, reviewing every message, and ensuring that communication remains authentic.

The session concluded with a seven-day action plan encouraging students to practise these skills through small, consistent changes. From recording a one-minute voice note to initiating new conversations and using AI responsibly, students were encouraged to turn learning into everyday practice.

The Communication Edge offered valuable insights into becoming clearer, more confident, and more thoughtful communicators, reinforcing that effective communication is a skill developed through awareness, practice, and genuine human connection.