Leadership expert Kul Mahay says communication skills are of vital importance following rise in students using ChatGPT

A TOP leadership expert who works with some of the UK’s most high-profile universities has stressed the importance of young people defining their communication skills with a rise in school, college and university pupils using artificial intelligence.

Kul Mahay, who works with NHS Trusts, education providers and large corporations, also says that it is vital that students master the art of “softer skills”, especially in a post-covid world.

“Effective communication skills can help make better impressions on others and it is essential that young people can get their message across effectively, whether that is orally or in written form,” said Kul.

“Without well-developed communication skills, students run the risk of falling behind their peers and becoming emotionally overwhelmed.”

Kul’s comments come after a recent study by online education resource Study.com found that more than a quarter of 200 surveyed teachers revealed that they had caught at least one student cheating using AI chatbot, ChatGPT.

However, in the same survey of 203 teachers, about two-thirds did not believe that ChatGPT should be banned in schools. 

Kul said: “We are living in a world where the developments in artificial intelligence and technology are reshaping the way that we communicate. With the latest advances with sites such as ChatGPT we are able to improve our ability to communicate in the written word across most platforms and situations. It really is a very impressive software. However, there is a real danger that young people (and adults) can become reliant on this type of technology and reduce our natural ability to communicate with each other.”

Kul, whose 30 years working for Derbyshire Constabulary saw him having to focus on his communication skills as a natural introvert whilst leading some highly specialised departments and commanding major and critical scenarios, will host a two-day public speaking course in March to help others to improve their communication skills. He is planning on rolling out a similar programme for young people later in the year.

Called ‘Create and Speak’, the event will take place at Derby Conference Centre in March.

“This is the first time we are running this programme since it was accredited by both CPD and the Institute of Leadership and Management, meaning that delegates will receive members of the Institute and access to 450 hours’ worth of ongoing leadership development content,” says Kul.

“It will help with confidence when speaking, even if it’s speaking via an online platform. I’ll cover, the psychology of behind the fear of public speaking before we learn how to build rapport, learning how storytelling can be fundamental to any talk, from the stage, to the boardroom and even how to handle online conversations much more effectively.”

For further details and to book your place, visit https://bit.ly/3iO9vok