DIMAPUR: The Department of Philosophy at Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) conducted a Skill Enhancement Workshop on Public Speaking, Media and Responsible Communication on September 3, at the College Conference Hall.
The session was led by Dr. Dakter Esse, faculty member in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, who served as the resource person.
The workshop aimed to equip students with practical public speaking skills while fostering awareness of the responsibilities inherent in communication within an interconnected media environment.
Addressing the common fear of public speaking, Dr. Esse noted that the fear often stems less from speaking itself and more from the possibility of being judged, embarrassed, or misunderstood.
She encouraged students to move beyond their comfort zones and cultivate a growth mindset through regular practice, emphasizing that the classroom provides an important first space to build confidence by speaking, participating in discussions, and asking questions.
Dr. Esse introduced the three fundamental pillars of public speaking – mindset, content and delivery and highlighted three essential qualities of an effective communicator: authenticity, audacity and accountability.
She urged students to remain authentic in expressing ideas, demonstrate courage in articulating views, and take responsibility for the words they communicate.
The session included practical demonstrations on body language, gestures, tone and the effective use of pauses.
Dr. Esse stressed that public speaking goes beyond presenting information, requiring speakers to ensure that audiences clearly understand the intended message.
A significant component of the workshop focused on audience analysis and adaptation. Dr. Esse introduced the AUDIENCE framework – Analyze, Understand, Demography, Interest, Environment, Needs, Customization and Expectations – emphasizing that effective communication cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Speakers must understand their audience and adapt both content and delivery accordingly.
Highlighting the close relationship between public speaking, media and responsible communication, Dr. Esse observed that in today’s evolving media environment, a statement delivered before a small gathering can be recorded, shared and amplified through social media and digital platforms.
This reality, she explained, makes accountability and sound judgment increasingly important when speaking in public.
The session encouraged students to recognize that effective communication carries both opportunities and responsibilities. Confidence in speaking must be accompanied by awareness of the impact words can have on individuals, communities and wider audiences.
The workshop concluded by bringing together its three central themes: public speaking gives a person the voice to be heard, media carries that voice beyond the immediate audience and responsible communication determines how that voice is used.
The session provided students with practical insights and a broader understanding of communication as a skill requiring confidence, preparation, adaptability and responsibility.
