A social worker from SANCA Wedge Gardens says the Dale Carnegie course he recently attended forced him out of his comfort zone, challenged him and boosted his confidence.
He was among 23 beneficiaries from SANCA Wedge Gardens – including clients and staff members – who were invited to attend the Dale Carnegie Course: Effective Communication and Human Relations course for free.
The 24-hour course was held over three consecutive Saturdays.
Adèl Grobbelaar, head of Wedge Gardens – which is run by Rand Aid Association – says the benefits of the course were clear to see, even after the first session. “The participants displayed more confidence, were more interactive, and their listening skills had been sharpened.”
The course was part of Dale Carnegie Training South Africa’s Nelson Mandela Day initiative and aimed to transform the way South Africans communicate, lead and connect.
The interactive course focused on public speaking and presentation skills, relationship building, handling high-pressure situations, challenging self-doubt and discovering how to lead.
Philani says presenter Tracy Alexander was ‘dynamic, and she made the class fun and interesting’. “Through a multiplicity of exercises and connections, we were encouraged to stretch our boundaries and develop new skills in a supportive environment.”
He says the course made formal presentations in larger group settings easier than ever. “They are excellent at making you understand how to communicate clearly and quickly with impact. One of the best parts of the course was the ability to connect to people on a personal level in a small environment.”
A client undergoing treatment at Wedge Gardens for a substance use disorder and who spoke under anonymity, says the course helped improve his confidence and how he communicates with people.
“Likewise, I have better leadership skills and experience in dealing with stressful situations in everyday life,” he says.
“A heartfelt thank you goes to Dale Carnegie Training South Africa for their investment in our what is Wedge Gardens’ biggest asset – its people,” says Adèl.
