There's been a lot of discussion in the media lately about the testing of language skills and knowledge in schools. Much fun has ensued with examples of questions, supposedly used in tests for very young children, being published to demonstrate that most adults couldn't answer them! Not surprising really. Apart from the examples being chosen especially to catch us out, it's also true that the curriculum has changed out of all recognition so children are being taught topics we never were. What qualifies me to coach anyone in communication, leadership or self-confidence? Is it because I was born a scintillating communicator, inspirational leader or totally assured entrepreneur? No! Just the opposite! I don't believe that anyone was born with any interpersonal skills ready-made and so we have to learn them. But we aren't necessarily aware that we are learning. The people who seem to be "naturals" are simply those who started to learn their special skill very early in life and weren't conscious of the process - it just seemed natural to them.
