Report on Guest Talk: “More Than Words – The Power, Presence and Communication”

Date: 17 August 2026
Venue: SUM College of Teacher Education (SUMCTE)
Resource Person: Dr. T. P. Ashraf
Topic: More Than Words – The Power, Presence and Communication
Welcome Address: Dr. Rosa M. C., Principal, SUMCTE
Chairperson: Mr. Suneesh K.

Introduction

A guest talk on “More Than Words – The Power, Presence and Communication” was organized at SUM College of Teacher Education (SUMCTE) on 17 August 2026. The session was designed to provide student teachers with a deeper understanding of communication and its significance in personal, professional, and classroom contexts.

The session was highly informative, engaging, and thought-provoking. Dr. T. P. Ashraf presented various dimensions of communication and explained how effective communication goes beyond the mere use of words. The discussion focused on the importance of presence, expression, motivation, interaction, and effective teaching practices in creating meaningful communication in the classroom.

Welcome Address

The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Rosa M. C., Principal, SUMCTE. She welcomed the resource person, faculty members, and student teachers to the session. She highlighted the importance of communication in the teaching profession and emphasized that a teacher’s effectiveness depends not only on subject knowledge but also on the ability to communicate ideas clearly and meaningfully.

She expressed her appreciation for organizing a session that would help student teachers develop their communication skills and understand their role as effective communicators in the classroom.

Presidential Address

The session was chaired by Mr. Suneesh K. In his address, he emphasized the relevance of communication in education and everyday life. He noted that teachers need to develop effective communication skills to establish positive relationships with learners and to create an active and supportive classroom environment.

He also appreciated the initiative of conducting the guest talk and welcomed the resource person, Dr. T. P. Ashraf.

Presentation by Dr. T. P. Ashraf

The main session was handled by Dr. T. P. Ashraf, who spoke on the theme “More Than Words – The Power, Presence and Communication.” His presentation explored communication as a comprehensive process that involves much more than spoken or written words.

He explained various elements of communication and discussed how the sender, message, medium, receiver, feedback, context, and other factors influence the effectiveness of communication. He emphasized that successful communication requires clarity, active participation, appropriate expression, and meaningful feedback.

Dr. Ashraf also highlighted the importance of understanding the listener or learner while communicating. According to the ideas discussed during the session, communication becomes effective when the intended message is understood in the way it was meant to be understood.

Communication Beyond Words

A major focus of the talk was the idea that communication is “more than words.” Dr. Ashraf explained that facial expressions, gestures, posture, eye contact, tone of voice, body language, and overall presence can significantly influence the meaning and impact of a message.

For teachers, these aspects are especially important. A teacher may communicate encouragement, confidence, interest, concern, or enthusiasm even without saying anything directly. Therefore, teachers need to be conscious of both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication.

The discussion helped the student teachers understand that effective communication involves the whole personality of the communicator and not merely the words used.

Motivation and Communication

Dr. Ashraf also discussed the relationship between motivation and communication. He explained that effective teachers should be able to motivate learners through positive communication, encouragement, appreciation, and meaningful interaction.

The teacher’s words, attitude, and behaviour can influence students’ confidence and willingness to participate in learning activities. A supportive communication environment can encourage students to express their ideas, ask questions, participate actively, and develop confidence.

The session therefore emphasized that communication can become a powerful tool for motivating learners and creating a positive classroom atmosphere.

Teaching and Classroom Communication

Another important aspect of the session was the application of communication principles to classroom teaching. Dr. Ashraf discussed different elements that contribute to effective classroom communication.

He emphasized the need for teachers to communicate lessons in a clear, simple, engaging, and learner-friendly manner. Teachers should consider the learners’ needs, interests, abilities, and learning contexts while presenting content.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of interaction between teachers and students. Classroom communication should not be limited to one-way transmission of information. Instead, it should encourage dialogue, questioning, feedback, participation, and collaborative learning.

Importance for Student Teachers

The session was particularly valuable for student teachers because communication is one of the most important professional skills required in teaching. A teacher needs to communicate with students, colleagues, parents, and the wider community.

The guest talk helped the participants understand that effective teaching requires a combination of subject knowledge, communication skills, confidence, presence, motivation, empathy, and interpersonal understanding.

The ideas presented by Dr. Ashraf encouraged the student teachers to reflect on their own communication styles and identify ways to improve their effectiveness as future teachers.

Interactive and Engaging Nature of the Session

The guest talk was a pleasant, engaging, and informative session. The presentation of the topic through practical ideas and classroom-oriented discussions made it relevant to the participants.

The session created an opportunity for student teachers to connect theoretical concepts of communication with their future professional experiences. The emphasis on practical communication, motivation, and classroom interaction made the programme especially meaningful.

Conclusion

The guest talk on “More Than Words – The Power, Presence and Communication” held on 17 August 2026 was a valuable academic programme at SUMCTE. The insightful presentation by Dr. T. P. Ashraf helped the participants understand the broader dimensions of communication and its importance in education.

The session effectively demonstrated that communication is not simply about speaking or transmitting information. It involves presence, expression, listening, interaction, feedback, motivation, and meaningful human connection. The discussion on classroom communication and motivation was particularly useful for the student teachers.

Overall, the programme was an enriching learning experience that strengthened the participants’ awareness of effective communication and its role in becoming confident, motivating, and successful teachers.