On Saturday, 29th March 2025, Strathmore University came alive with an engaging Communication Skills workshop under the Macheo Programme, in partnership with Empowering Young Women(EYW). The theme, Emotions Are Your Communication Superpower, resonated with Macheo Achievement Programme students and mentors who gathered to sharpen their communication skills and learn how to connect more effectively with others.
From the moment they arrived, the EYW team was eager to interact, and Rochelle Shida, the Macheo Programme Coordinator, warmly welcomed them, introducing them to the students and setting the tone for the session. Esther Martin, Co-founder and CEO of EYW, took the stage, captivating the audience with a simple but profound statement.
“Communication is not just about words. It’s about how you make people feel.”
She explained that mastering communication requires more than just speaking clearly. At its core, great communication is built on emotional intelligence, empathy, compassion, and active listening. Not just hearing words but truly understanding and understanding in a meaningful way. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in how we engage with others, whether in leadership, mentorship, or everyday interactions. Students and mentors alike leaned in as she unpacked the significance of active listening. Not just hearing words but truly understanding and responding in a meaningful way.
The conversation took a more profound turn when Esther posed a thought-provoking question. Are you truly listening or just waiting to respond? She encouraged the participants to be more intentional about listening, observing body language, staying engaged, and asking the right questions at the right time. The session underscored the importance of being present in conversations and creating genuine connections through thoughtful responses.
Confidence in communication was another major highlight of the session. Esther reminded participants that the way they present themselves speaks volumes before they even utter a word. She shared practical tips on using confident body language, maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, and smiling to enhance credibility and approachability. With every insight, students and mentors nodded in agreement, realizing that communication is an evolving skill, one that can be refined with practice and self-awareness.
The real magic, however, happened when the participants got to put their new skills into action. They split into groups, engaging in role-play exercises that tested their ability to express ideas confidently, listen attentively, and respond thoughtfully. The transformation was evident. What started as hesitant voices quickly turned into assertive and well-articulated responses. It was a moment of growth, reflection, and newfound confidence.
As the session drew to a close, I took a moment to express gratitude on behalf of the students and mentors. I acknowledged the invaluable lessons shared and the impact of such a workshop on their personal and professional development journey. To wrap up the event on a sweet note, each participant received crisps, chocolates, and Pick & Peel juice, a small but delightful treat for their engagement and enthusiasm.
The challenge now lies with the students and mentors to take what they learned and apply it in their daily interactions. The challenge remained. What is the one communication skill you will actively work on? Will you listen more attentively? Speak with greater confidence? Or simply remember to smile a little more? The power of communication lies in the ability to connect, and as the participants left the hall, one thing was clear. They were ready to communicate with intention and impact.
Article written by Rachael Wanjohi, Macheo Volunteer
