Effective communication and emotional expression are essential skills that shape our personal and professional lives. Understanding how to express emotions appropriately and communicate effectively can lead to stronger relationships, better decision-making, and increased self-confidence. In an engaging session with the boys at the SUPPORT Boys Group Centre in Santacruz, these critical skills were explored through interactive activities. The session, led by Ms Vanita Salunke from YUVA India, was attended by all the boys along with Mr Santosh, a probation officer from SUPPORT NGO, and two other staff members.

The session focused on helping the boys identify emotions, express them constructively, and develop their communication abilities. Through carefully designed activities, the participants learned the value of non-verbal communication, active listening, and emotional intelligence.

Understanding Emotions: The Emotion Charades Activity

One of the core activities of the session was Emotion Charades, which aimed to help the boys identify and express emotions using body language and facial expressions. The steps of the activity were simple yet impactful:

• Different emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, nervousness, excitement, embarrassment, and surprise, were written on small slips of paper.
• Each participant picked a slip and acted out the emotion without speaking.
• The rest of the group had to identify the emotion being portrayed.

This activity proved to be both fun and enlightening. It demonstrated how emotions are communicated without words and how body language plays a crucial role in expressing feelings. Many participants shared that they found it challenging to convey complex emotions solely through gestures, highlighting the importance of being attentive to non-verbal cues in everyday interactions.

Key reflections from the discussion:

• Some emotions are easy to recognise, while others require more attention to subtle body language.
• Verbal communication is not always necessary to express feelings effectively.
• Understanding others’ emotions helps in building empathy and stronger relationships.

The Power of Active Listening: Strengthening Communication Skills

The second activity, The Active Listening Challenge, focused on enhancing listening skills.

• Participants were paired up, and one was asked to speak about a personal experience for one minute while the other listened attentively.
• After the speaker finished, the listener had to repeat what they had heard.
• The roles were then reversed.

Through this exercise, the boys realised how crucial active listening is in effective communication. Many shared that they often listen passively or interrupt conversations, which can lead to misunderstandings. This activity reinforced the significance of giving full attention, maintaining eye contact, and responding thoughtfully in conversations.

Key insights from the discussion:

• Being a good listener strengthens relationships and builds trust.
• Interrupting or being distracted can lead to miscommunication and frustration.
• Focusing on the speaker without forming an immediate response allows for better understanding.

Lessons in Effective Communication and Emotional Expression

The session concluded with an open discussion on how these skills apply to real-life situations. The boys engaged in conversations about:

• The Role of Communication in Everyday Life: From friendships to academics and future careers, effective communication is essential in every aspect of life.
• Expressing Emotions in a Healthy Way: Suppressing emotions can lead to stress, while expressing them constructively fosters positive interactions.
• Respecting Others’ Emotions: Understanding and respecting how others feel helps in building meaningful relationships.
• Managing Conflicts through Communication: Learning to resolve disagreements through dialogue rather than anger or aggression.

These discussions helped the boys understand that communication is a skill they will need throughout their lives. Whether in personal relationships or professional environments, being able to express oneself clearly and listen actively can open doors to better opportunities and success.

Why These Skills Matter for the Future

Communication and emotional intelligence are highly valued in the professional world. Employers seek individuals who can express ideas clearly, work well in teams, and handle conflicts with maturity. Some of the key benefits of strong communication skills in the future include:

• Better Career Opportunities: Effective communication is a critical skill in any profession, from customer service to leadership roles.
• Stronger Personal Relationships: Understanding emotions helps in forming deeper connections with family, friends, and colleagues.
• Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Good communicators can articulate their thoughts and find solutions to challenges efficiently.
• Higher Confidence Levels: Expressing oneself clearly boosts self-esteem and reduces misunderstandings.

By fostering these skills early on, the boys at SUPPORT are being equipped with the tools they need to succeed in life.

Final Reflections

The session at the SUPPORT Boys Group Centre was a valuable experience for both the participants and facilitators. The boys not only learned the importance of communication and emotional expression but also actively engaged in exercises that helped them practice these skills in a safe and supportive environment.

A key takeaway from the session was that communication is not just about speaking; it is about listening, understanding emotions, and responding thoughtfully. In a world where effective communication is the foundation of success, these young boys now have a stronger awareness of how to express themselves and connect with others.

The team at SUPPORT, including Mr Santosh and the staff members, provided immense support in making this session successful. Their presence and encouragement played a vital role in ensuring the boys felt comfortable and engaged throughout the activities.

The YUVA India are committed to empowering young individuals with essential life skills. By conducting such sessions, we aim to create a positive impact and help build a generation that values communication, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.

Looking Ahead

The success of this session highlights the importance of continuing such initiatives in the future. More workshops and interactive sessions will be planned to reinforce these skills and provide the boys with opportunities to practice them further.

As they step into adulthood, mastering the art of communication and emotional expression will help them navigate relationships, education, and careers with confidence. Through practice and conscious effort, they can harness the power of communication to create a brighter future for themselves and those around them.