Mumabi: Enroll in personality development and public speaking classes to appear presentable, boost confidence
The current crop of politicians with their poor verbal skills and not-too-impressive personalities don't make ideal role models. Using them as examples of how not to be, aspiring politicians and young party activists are taking efforts to groom themselves.
Young activists from every political party are approaching firms promising personality development and public speaking skills. Ameesh Parmar of the World Human Development, a personality development centre, said, "People with political backgrounds who want to get rid of their stage fear and improve their public speaking skills have approached us."
Ravi Iyaar, director, Talkaho-lics, said, "I don't usually cater to politicians, but some political activists approached me recently. They lack confidence and want to become better speakers. They are worried about being grilled by the public.
"We teach them how to enter a debate. We show them videos as part of the training, conduct SWOT analysis and understand their weaknesses before training them."
Political training
Meanwhile, the BJP has been training its cadres on public speaking, participating in debates and how to act before the masses. "We provide orientation courses that focus on the policies and philosophies of the party and also conduct workshops on personality development and oratory skills," said Madhav Bhandari, the BJP state spokesperson.
On March 19, the BJP yuva morcha held a training programme for its youth leaders where they were taught how to present the party ideology to the masses. Shaina NC, who organised the session, said, "Such sessions help activists communicate the party ideology in an effective manner.
A BJP worker, who did not wish to be identified, said, "I have enrolled for personality development classes to improve myself."
(Inputs from Varun Singh)
What are they taught?
Seminars include
>> How to tackle stage fear
>> Public speaking skills
>> How to act in front of the masses and convince them
>> How to maintain control over one's mind
>> How to avoid spending too much money
Cost
>> Basic programme (public speaking skills and personality development) costs between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000
>> The advance course costs up to Rs 16,000
Duration
>> Some course are for three days
>> Others have six sessions lasting five hours each
>> Each session costs approximately Rs 1,000
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