Smriti Raghunandan recently took a significant step in her professional journey that resonated deeply with her roots. After 15 years, she found herself back at Stella Maris College, the institution that played a pivotal role in shaping her into the person she is today. However, this time, she wasn’t a student but an esteemed speaker invited by Dr. Shrinidhi Sundar from the Department of Public Relations to address the first-year students. The experience was nothing short of surreal for Smriti Raghunandan as she embarked on a journey to share her insights on PR strategy, a topic close to her heart.
The nerves were palpable as Smriti Raghunandan stood before the eager audience, but she quickly realized the depth of her knowledge and expertise in her field. Despite the initial jitters, she found her stride and delivered a compelling session that left a lasting impact on the students. Reflecting on this experience, Smriti Raghunandan shares valuable lessons that transcend the realm of public speaking and apply to various facets of life and career.
One of the key takeaways from her speaking engagement was the importance of laying a strong foundation. Smriti Raghunandan emphasizes the significance of starting with the basics, as a shaky foundation can jeopardize one’s career in any field, especially in communications. This fundamental principle underscores the importance of building expertise on solid ground, ensuring sustainable growth and success.
Moreover, practical experience emerged as a recurring theme in Smriti Raghunandan’s reflections. She highlights the invaluable lessons learned through hands-on experience, emphasizing its superiority over theoretical knowledge. In a world driven by practical skills and real-world applications, Smriti Raghunandan advocates for embracing opportunities that offer experiential learning, as they serve as catalysts for personal and professional growth.
In her engaging session, Smriti Raghunandan stresses the importance of effective communication, urging individuals to simplify their message rather than relying on convoluted jargon. She emphasizes the power of relatability and authenticity in connecting with an audience, encouraging speakers to infuse humor and vulnerability into their presentations. By doing so, Smriti Raghunandan believes that speakers can alleviate tension and foster a more engaging and inclusive environment.
Furthermore, Smriti Raghunandan’s journey into public speaking taught her the importance of self-belief and confidence. She underscores the significance of acknowledging one’s worth and capabilities, urging individuals to be their own cheerleaders. This self-assurance, she believes, is pivotal in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities with conviction and determination.
Lastly, Smriti Raghunandan highlights the profound impact of passion in one’s professional endeavors. She emphasizes the importance of pursuing work that aligns with one’s interests and values, as it inherently reflects in the quality of output. Smriti Raghunandan’s unwavering passion for her field shines through in her engaging session, serving as a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passion.
Smriti Raghunandan’s journey into public speaking exemplifies the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone and embracing opportunities for growth. Her experience at Stella Maris College reaffirmed her commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement. Through her insightful reflections, Smriti Raghunandan imparts invaluable lessons on laying a strong foundation, embracing practical experience, effective communication, self-belief, and the transformative power of passion. As she continues to inspire others with her journey, Smriti Raghunandan stands as a beacon of empowerment and growth in the realm of integrated marketing communications.
