"Adulting" Skills for College: Communication

"Adulting" commonly refers to skills and behaviors that young people need to navigate life independently. Parents can play a key role in helping their teens master these skills- especially those crucial for success in college and beyond.

In this "Adulting Skills for College" series, each post will focus on one essential skill.

Communication

The ability to confidently communicate with different people in a variety of formats is one of the most vital adulting skills. It's especially essential for today's teens, who are often more comfortable with digital communication than in-person interactions. Here are some practical ways students can build upon this skill:

Speaking in Unfamiliar or Uncomfortable Situations

While teens may get some public speaking experience in the classroom, they benefit greatly from practicing their public speaking skills in other situations.

Presenting at extracurricular activities-like clubs, competitions, and community events-can help teens strengthen communication skills and boost confidence.

Initiating conversations with adults-like teachers, coaches, or family friends- also provides valuable practice for the types of interactions they'll have in college with professors, advisors, and campus staff.

And don't forget interviewing! Whether it's for a part-time job, scholarship, internship, or a college program, interviews are a part of life. This College Interview Tips post can help students prepare.

Making phone calls

Most teens rarely talk on the phone, so it helps to build that skill intentionally. Some simple ways teens can practice:

• Call the doctor or dentist office to schedule their own appointments.

• Order take-out by phone occasionally instead using an app.

• Reach out to college admission representatives to ask questions and develop rapport.

These tasks may feel small, but they build confidence and communication skills in meaningful ways.

Getting comfortable with email

Although many teens don't prefer email, it will be a consistent form of communication in college and professional life. Parents can help their teens in the following ways:

• Encourage teens to create a separate email account for college-specific correspondence.

• Help them develop the habit of checking email regularly and responding in a timely manner.

• Suggest putting the email app in a prominent spot on the phone to serve as a visual reminder.

• Offer to review emails and provide feedback on "email etiquette" like tone, clarity, and format.

Strong communication skills are the foundation for success in college, career, and life. By encouraging your teen to speak up, make calls, and write clear emails, you're helping them grow into confident, capable adults. Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we'll explore another key adulting skill that will help teens thrive in their journey to independence.

At Growing2College, we assist families with all aspects of high school and college planning. Request a free 20-min consultation to learn more about how we can be helpful.

Kate Pedigo, M.Ed. NCC is an Independent Educational Consultant and founder of Growing2College. Join us on social media for college planning updates, tips, and resources: Facebook   Instagram   LinkedIn