The deeper issue is a lack of self-belief. Hesitation, fear of making mistakes and anxiety about being judged frequently prevent students from expressing what they already know, causing them to miss academic and professional opportunities despite being capable, says educator
SHILLONG, July 2: A lack of confidence rather than a lack of talent is emerging as one of the biggest barriers preventing many students and young professionals from the Northeast from realising their full potential, according to communication trainer Arjun Lyngdoh, who says fear of speaking up often overshadows ability.
Drawing from over two decades of training experience with more than 10,000 students and professionals across Meghalaya and other parts of the country, the founder of NESkills Center of Excellence said many young people from the region possess the required knowledge and skills but struggle to articulate their ideas in classrooms, job interviews and workplaces.
Lyngdoh observed that while English is often blamed for poor performance, the deeper issue is a lack of self-belief. He said hesitation, fear of making mistakes and anxiety about being judged frequently prevent students from expressing what they already know, causing them to miss academic and professional opportunities despite being capable.
He said the challenge is particularly significant because communication today is increasingly becoming a key factor in recruitment, career growth and leadership. According to him, confidence influences not only how a person speaks but also how they present ideas, participate in discussions and respond under pressure.
To address this, NESkills combines spoken English, communication skills, personality development and soft skills into a single integrated programme instead of treating them as separate subjects. Lyngdoh said effective communication requires a balance of language, mindset and behaviour.
The programme also incorporates behavioural techniques based on cognitive principles to help participants overcome limiting habits and develop healthier communication patterns. It is built around the A3C3 Framework—Awareness, Authenticity, Audacity, Choice, Commitment and Consistency—which, he said, aims to build confidence from within rather than through memorised responses.
Participants are encouraged to apply these skills in real-life situations, including classroom discussions, interviews, presentations and leadership roles. The training is conducted in English, Hindi and Khasi to make it accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds.
Lyngdoh, who has been recognised among India’s Top 100 Tutors for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026, said his objective is to help individuals overcome fear and communicate with confidence, arguing that the ability to express one’s thoughts can often be the deciding factor between potential and success.
