I was pleased to learn that our college granddaughter had taken a course in communication. Looking back to my first semester in college, communication was a required course. There are many life skills that our grandchildren must learn. Of those, I believe communication is the most essential.

Life skills are those that help an individual to communicate effectively, to make informed decisions, to think creatively, to solve problems and to build healthy relationships. These life skills include communication skills, decision-making skills, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills. With these life skills, one is able to explore alternatives, weigh pros and cons and make rational decisions.

Communication is the essential life skill because it is a key foundation for success in a work environment, for improved personal relationships and for better social interactions. It helps us build self-confidence and self-awareness. Communication also influences how we interact with our partner.

I appreciated the need for excellent communication as an attorney for 30 years and later as a candidate for public office and as a state representative.

As a young attorney, I found Toastmasters. I joined South County Toastmasters because of its convenient location and meeting time. It met in the evening so I could attend meetings after work. Today it meets at Sunset Hills Community Center, 915 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Its two-hour meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The club had and continues to have an outstanding reputation for excellence. In 1995 – 1996, when I was a member, it was ranked by Toastmasters International as the No. 2 club in the world.

Toastmasters is a unique learning experience. One does not learn from books or lectures, but from doing. Each new member is assigned a veteran Toastmaster to help him or her learn what the individual’s strengths and weaknesses are and how to overcome these weaknesses.

Toastmasters is a communication learning experience that is fun. There are no tests but one does learn vital communication skills if one puts in the time and effort.

If you know of someone who needs to improve his or her communication life skill, have them research Toastmasters or visit a local club. Guests are always welcome and there is no cost to visit. Over the years as a South County Toastmasters Club member, I have seen many guests join and grow.

Remember, communication is the essential life skill!