What do I mean when I say that the greatest gift you can give your kids is the gift of expression? All kids are able to express themselves aren't they? Well, actually no, at least not well. It's been my experience that although children seem to be born with an innate abilty to express their needs (they scream when they need you), as they grow up and are influenced by external factors including family, school and their peers, many begin to develop inhibitions.
In this modern age of technology where kids spend a lot of time on the internet, using smart phone, tweeting and using instagram and other social networks, they are fast losing real-time social skills. The importance of these skills cannot be stressed enough. Human Resource Directors of Fortune 100 companies state that oral communication skills tops the list of requirements when it comes to hiring executives. Good communication skills are central to success in life. There simply isn't a career where these skills are not useful. Schools do not provide adequate training and our goal is to fill the gap and give kids their best shot in life.
Warren Buffet, an American business magnate, investor and philanthropist, told a class of students at the Columbia Business School*, “Right now, I would pay a hundred-thousand dollars for 10 percent of the future earnings of any of you. I would raise my bid 50 percent if you were good communicators.”
Buffet understands how important good oral communication skills are and how much they impact upon an individual's success. The ability to inspire, persuade and mobilize others is a greatly desirable and sought after skill. Public speaking involves so much more than just being comfortable talking in front of an audience; it’s about being able to authentically connect with others. Really, anyone can stand up and talk; but there are few really riveting and interesting speakers. That’s why we focus on helping kids to develop captivating oral communication skills.
*www.buffetfaq.com
In order to help your kids improve their speaking skills you need to model these skills for them. If you'd like to improve your speaking skills, consider joining Club Captivate, our online global learning community.
If you are in the greater Los Angeles area, consider joining our classes or workshops and if you have kids enrol them in our Captivating Kids classes. We also host Junior Club Captivate meetings in the Woodland Hills area and have plans to expand throughout Northern America. See our website: www.chantiniven.com for more information.
Captivating Kids is part of the Captivating Speakers Program run by Chanti Niven International. Our mission is to help kids develop vital oral communication skills that will help them succeed at school and later on in their professional and personal lives.
Growing up I found that high school was the place where I learned most of my social skills, but I had a background where we didn't have the electronic distractions kids do today. It is truly sad.
Thanks Chanti.
Walt