Good speakers are not always good communicators. A recent experience at Jammu University made me reflect on this difference.
By Ashok Sharma | True Roots Media | October 14, 2026
Recently, I was invited as a judge at Jammu University’s “Display Your Talent” event. It was encouraging to see young students confidently expressing themselves on stage. Their enthusiasm, preparation, and talent were impressive.
However, one observation stayed with me.
Many were good speakers, but not necessarily effective communicators.
There is a difference. A good speaker can deliver a prepared speech confidently, while a good communicator can listen, think critically, respond spontaneously, and connect meaningfully with people.
This is not a criticism of the students. It made me reflect on something important: are we focusing enough on exposure and practical learning alongside formal education?
Education and Exposure Must Go Together
Our education system encourages students to acquire knowledge, prepare presentations, and perform well in examinations. These are important skills, but real-world situations demand much more.
A student may deliver an excellent speech about entrepreneurship, but have they ever interacted with an entrepreneur?
They may speak confidently about governance, but have they visited a government office to understand how it functions?
They may discuss technology, but have they seen how businesses actually use it?
Such experiences help students connect classroom knowledge with practical understanding.
Are We Preparing Students for the Real World?
Universities and colleges should create more opportunities for industry visits, mentorship programmes, internships, interactive discussions, and real-world projects.
Students should be encouraged not only to speak but also to ask questions, listen to different perspectives, and develop independent opinions.
Confidence is valuable, but confidence supported by knowledge, curiosity, and practical experience is far more powerful.
A Message to the Youth of Jammu and India
Young people, particularly those from villages and smaller towns, may not always have easy access to professional networks or industry exposure. But developing a broader mindset does not necessarily require expensive courses or travelling to big cities.
Start with a few small habits:
- Learn about one new profession or institution every week.
- Interact with people from different backgrounds and understand their experiences.
- Practise meaningful conversations instead of only memorising speeches.
- Ask questions without worrying about appearing less knowledgeable.
- Read beyond textbooks and remain curious about the world.
These small habits, practised consistently, can gradually improve communication, confidence, and awareness of opportunities.
A Shared Responsibility
Educational institutions, entrepreneurs, professionals, and society all have a role in creating meaningful exposure for young people.
Those with professional experience can share practical lessons, offer mentorship, and introduce students to different career paths.
The students I met at Jammu University already demonstrated something valuable: the courage to stand before an audience.
With greater exposure and opportunities for practical learning, that confidence can develop into stronger communication and critical-thinking skills.
Let us prepare our youth not just to speak confidently on stage, but to communicate meaningfully with the world.
Education provides knowledge. Exposure helps us understand how to apply it.
Ashok Sharma, CEO AccFin Outsourcing