08/01/2026
Supporting Young People Through the Gift of Communication
As students return to classrooms this month, I’ve been reflecting on an experience I had while volunteering with a career coaching program in Ontario high schools. Professionals from a range of industries were invited to meet with graduating students, share our career journeys, and answer their questions about work and life.
It was a meaningful initiative—rooted in community, generosity, and the belief that young people thrive when adults invest in them.
What struck me, though, was how hesitant many students were to speak. They arrived buzzing with energy, chatting easily with one another, but the moment they sat down with me, their confidence seemed to fade. Even with suggested questions in front of them, many struggled to engage.
Their silence wasn’t disinterest. It felt more like uncertainty—an unfamiliarity with speaking to adults outside their immediate circles.
That moment has stayed with me. Communication skills—eye contact, curiosity, conversation—are foundational in both the workplace and in life. They shape first impressions, build relationships, and open doors. When young people don’t have opportunities to practise these skills, stepping into professional spaces can feel overwhelming.
As a part time college professor, I see mentorship as part of my calling. And many of you reading this—whether as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbours, educators, or community leaders—play similar roles. Your encouragement carries weight. Your presence matters.
If you’re supporting young adults as they prepare for their next steps, here are some practical ways to help them build confidence and communication skills:
Guidance to Help Young People Strengthen Their Communication Skills
• Encourage journaling. Writing helps young people clarify their thoughts, understand their interests, and express themselves more confidently.
• Promote volunteering. Community organizations, boards, and committees offer real world experience, skill building, and expanded networks.
• Suggest reading and listening widely. Books, blogs, podcasts, and online resources can spark curiosity and deepen knowledge.
• Introduce microlearning. Short online or in person courses—many free—allow them to build skills at their own pace.
• Recommend informational interviews. Speaking with professionals helps them practise conversation and learn from lived experience.
• Encourage note taking. A notebook or Notes app helps them capture ideas, questions, and reflections.
• Remind them to be authentic. They don’t need to perform; they need to show up as themselves. Authenticity builds trust.
• Help them find a mentor. A supportive adult can guide, challenge, and walk with them through early career decisions.
Communication is ultimately about connection. When we help young people strengthen these skills, we’re not just preparing them for the workforce—we’re equipping them to build relationships, contribute meaningfully, and step into their futures with confidence.
