Mastering ‘The Art of Communication’ with Mihir Mankad

Imagine a room filled with enthusiastic MBA and B.Tech students, their eyes glued to the stage, eagerly soaking in every word spoken by the dynamic Mihir Mankad. As a Global Communication Expert, Professor of Leadership Communication at prestigious institutions like Tufts, Harvard and ISB, and a former National TV Anchor, Mr. Mankad brought his wealth of experience to a captivating masterclass at ATLAS SkillTech University.

The four-hour-long session, titled The Art of Communication, was nothing short of transformative. With over 7,000 senior leaders and 4,000 graduate students already under his tutelage, Mr. Mankad knew just how to keep his audience engaged. He masterfully blended interactive activities, historical anecdotes and practical insights to demonstrate the power of effective communication.

Logos, Ethos and Pathos: The Communication Trifecta

Central to Mr. Mankad’s teachings were Aristotle’s timeless appeals: Logos, Ethos and Pathos. He explained that:

• Logos appeal to logic and reason, using data and evidence to support a message
• Ethos establishes credibility and trustworthiness, making the speaker’s character a key component of persuasion
• Pathos connects with the audience on an emotional level, evoking feelings that reinforce the message

Through powerful examples, such as post-war speeches and narratives from influential figures like Hillary Clinton and Indra Nooyi, he illustrated how these elements contribute to impactful communication.

When Speech Meets Speed: The Perfect Pace

One of the standout moments of the session was when Mr. Mankad posed a seemingly simple yet tricky question: “What’s the speed of speech?” After a flurry of guesses, he revealed the ideal pace—2.5 words per second. This nugget of wisdom highlighted the importance of balancing speed with clarity to maintain the audience’s engagement.

The Power of Precision: Less is More

An essential lesson from the masterclass was the art of being concise and precise. Mr. Mankad emphasised that a speaker often has limited time to convey their message, making it crucial to prioritise quality over quantity. Reminding everyone that impactful communication is about delivering the right message with clarity and brevity.

The essence lies in what NOT to say

Interactive Exercises: Putting Skills to the Test

In true interactive fashion, Mr. Mankad divided the room into groups, encouraging them to tackle a controversial topic. The challenge? Convince the opposing side to change their opinion using only communication skills. This exercise was not only a lesson in persuasion but also a masterclass in active listening and strategic messaging.

Another engaging exercise involved summarizing a data-heavy slide in just 45 seconds. What initially seemed like an impossible task became a powerful demonstration of how structured thinking and focused communication can break down even the most complex information.

Sound Bites: The Key to Lasting Impact

Mr. Mankad introduced the concept of sound bites—those memorable, impactful phrases that linger long after a speech ends. He shared the story of a 19-year-old college student from Iowa whose powerful sound bite during a speech supporting same-sex marriage propelled him to national fame, even earning him a spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The student’s quote, “It wasn’t about exterminating the butterflies, but making them fly even more,” was a masterstroke in communication. Building on this, Mr. Mankad delivered his own golden piece of advice:

Don’t fight the butterflies, train them to fly in formation.

Crisis Communication: A Step-by-Step Approach

Handling critical situations with grace was another highlight of the session. Mr. Mankad laid out a clear strategy for crisis communication, emphasizing:

1. Purpose: Honouring and providing reassurance.
2. Audience: Segmenting for tailored impact.
3. Message: Thoughtful choice of tone—soft vs. hard, naming or not naming.
4. Imagery: Using visuals for greater effect.
5. Analogies: Adding context to the message.
6. Parity: Maintaining a forward-looking stance.
7. Clarity: Being open, honest, and direct.
8. Efficiency: Delivering a clear message with minimal statements.
9. Indirect Messaging: Using subtle approaches for greater impact.
10. Forms: Utilising structured formats for clarity and feedback.

Key Takeaways

• Communication is a skill that can be learned. With structure and practice, anyone can build competence and confidence—it’s not just a natural talent.

There is as much nurture as there is nature. It’s not just a god given gift.

• The importance of being concise and precise, understanding the pace of speaking, using Aristotle’s three appeals (Logos, Ethos, Pathos), and incorporating sound bites for impact.
• The structured approach to crisis communication, including mapping a purpose to an audience segment and crafting thoughtful messaging.

A Masterclass to Remember

The session ended with the room buzzing—students and faculty alike felt invigorated, armed with newfound knowledge and practical tools to communicate more effectively. The blend of theory, historical insights, and hands-on exercises made The Art of Communication a truly remarkable experience.

Mihir Mankad’s masterclass was not just a lesson in communication but a guide to mastering influence, persuasion and presence in both personal and professional spaces. As the participants walked away with sharper skills and greater confidence, it was clear that this was more than just a lecture—it was a leap forward in their communication journey.