Women’s Federation for World Peace Malaysia (WFWP) held an “Authentic Encounters” Communication Skills Workshop at the Peace Embassy in Petaling Jaya on 15 October 2023. Sixteen youths including students participated in the 3-hour programme, which was part of the Give Me A Chance Education Empowerment Initiative.
In her opening remarks, WFWP President Mdm Lina Cheng highlighted the importance of personal development and growth while encouraging the youths to be proactive in learning.
The main speaker and trainer at the workshop, Mdm Annie Ling, a licensed educator with Personality and Human Relations (PRH) International, led the participants in an interactive yet informative session. The aim of the workshop was to guide participants in learning to encounter others authentically, utilising the best of themselves and drawing strength from within in the face of a difficult encounter.
Participants were divided into pairs whereby they engaged in conversations and were later asked to share how they felt during that encounter. Some participants reflected that they were nervous while conversing with strangers, while others were excited to meet new friends.
Mdm Annie guided participants to discover good inner qualities and values within the self and how to converse confidently by affirming those inner strengths. Examples of these qualities are being a good listener, helpful, kind, caring, and understanding.
“I learnt to be mindful and aware of my inner feelings and keep a positive attitude while communicating with others. This workshop also helped me to express myself in public – something I did not have the courage to do in the past,” said Winnee, one of the youth participants.
Another working youth, Su Ching, realised through the workshop that she was not able to communicate well with her loved ones due to her lack of patience. “Since I really love my family, I shouldn’t let my emotions come in the way and affect our relationship.”*
