Ruchika Gulati - A Self-Realization of Seeing Communication as a Powerful Tool (Communication Coach From India)

I believe being an observer in every situation has given me immense knowledge of how real communication takes place and that’s what I motivate people in my sessions to do. Along with theoretical lessons, examples from real-life situations and practice-based learning, my major method has been to inspire the members to bring a positive shift in their perspective, which helps them communicate the right way.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I grew up in Rohtak, Haryana and moved to Delhi at the age of 17 for my graduation from University of Delhi. Right after completing Honors in English, I began working as a content writer but the main aim was to get into teaching as I had seen my mother working as a teacher since my childhood. In 2018, with my Masters degree in hand, I began giving spoken English trainings in Delhi government schools while preparing for several competitive exams like UGC-NET, C-TET or H-TET with an intent to get a decent job and be a part of Indian Education System. 

Working in schools as an English teacher made me realize I wasn’t imparting any skill but pushing students to get marks or submit assignments, which led to me resigning right before the pandemic started in March 2020. This allowed me to explore opportunities online and work for an Ed-tech only to find my own path as a creator and coach, who can help people get better at communication through educational content and courses. 

2. What led to your interest in the field of communication coach?

I have always been intuitive and quick at noticing people’s reactions in several situations. My experience of giving interviews at schools and colleges allowed me to understand how our words hold extreme power in defining our personalities and creating the impression we wish. A self-realization of seeing communication as a powerful tool to not just pass a message but express our ideas, strengths, personalities, and uniqueness led me in this field. 

3. What methodologies do you use in your communication and E-mail training sessions?

I believe being an observer in every situation has given me immense knowledge of how real communication takes place and that’s what I motivate people in my sessions to do. Along with theoretical lessons, examples from real-life situations and practice-based learning, my major method has been to inspire the members to bring a positive shift in their perspective, which helps them communicate the right way. 

4. What are the 3 basic email etiquettes that you consider a must?

I focus on 3 Ps when it comes to email etiquette – polite, professional and positive. A combination of right tone, words and structure helps in creating effective emails for any purpose. Anyone can write emails but a bit of positivity with assertiveness makes one stand out and that’s what I aim for. 

5. Who do you consider as a role model in this field and why?

I have learnt a lot about communication from Simon Sinek as he speaks about leadership, growth, impact, and building a better world for everyone. He once mentioned that how everything we do involves people and hence we need to understand people. This is the same thing that pushes me to communicate effectively and teach others to consider communication as a way to understand others. 

 

6. What is the best way to write a cold Email and get a response to it?

An e-mail which is personalized and includes exactly what the receiver wishes is mostly successful. Removing attention from the sender and putting it on the receiver to show how you can help them or provide what they want is the key to get responses. Hence, our words and tone in this case become incredibly significant.

7. What mistakes do people make when writing Emails and how do you help them?

One of the major mistakes people make is writing things in the same way they speak. The way we speak is usually different than the way we write because messages or emails don’t allow people to see or hear us. 

Those are just words, which can be misinterpreted if not used with the right tone or approach. I coach people to be emotionally intelligent so they can communicate keeping the receiver in mind and not just them or their thoughts. 

8. Tell us about your seminars and do you have any interesting/thoughtful experiences with your clients that you would like to share?

I conduct programs for college students, freshers and working professionals to help them enhance their fluency and knowledge of English as a language so they can speak and write effectively. 

The most interesting thing I would say is how people suddenly start feeling confident from within when they are able to express their thoughts fearlessly – in both verbal and written communication. I think confidence is the most beautiful feeling as it allows us to do all the things, which bring us closer to our dreams. I feel grateful that I can help people reach that stage. 

9. Was there any setback that you later realised was a stepping stone?

Yes. Despite having degrees, knowledge and qualifications, not being able to fit as an English teacher in a well-known school made me question my skills and abilities. I switched jobs quite frequently and always found myself lacking satisfaction. I thought I would never be able to find the right space to work in, which made me feel extremely under confident at times. 

Later I realized I was just seeking freedom, creativity and the space to provide real transformation to people. These things are missing in our Education system and it pushed me to go online to run my own academy. I feel fortunate that I could do this. 

10.  Which books do you consider essential for honing our communication skills and work etiquette?

How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes

The Communication Book -44 Ideas For Better Conversations Every Day by Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschappeler

Communication Skills Training by Ian Tuhovsky 

These books can give a deep understanding of communication for work and business.

Bio

Ruchika Gulati is a Communication coach, who provides online training to freshers and professionals to help them become impactful communicators in today's world. With a masters degree in English and qualifications including UGC-NET, C-TET, H-TET and HP-SET, she has worked as a guest faculty in Delhi University and taught in several prestigious schools. She holds experience in training kids, homemakers, college students, working professionals and retired individuals to ensure they stand out through their communication skills.

Interviewed By- Shashank Sehgal