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Popularized by the business community, the term "soft skills" might imply that these skills are neither nuanced nor hard to obtain. But scientists and researchers who study these skills refer to them as pragmatics, the way one uses language and communication to achieve social and interpersonal goals and believe that soft skills are critical to conveying intent, working harmoniously in situations of conflict and help us moving ahead in the world collaboratively. When disrupted or impaired however, the subpar soft skills rake in unimaginable hardship causing disruption of trust, joy, and social harmony. 

On this episode, Dr. Lyn S. Turkstra, a researcher, author and a professor of Rehabilitation Science and Assistant Dean for Speech-language pathology at McMaster University, takes a hard look at soft skills. This discussion focuses on how best to help improve these critical social-interpersonal skills and ways to consider the need and context to design training to make a difference for the individual involved.

About Dr. Lyn S. Turkstra
Dr. Turkstra is a Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, and Assistant Dean for Speech-Language Pathology.

About Host, Sucheta Kamath
Sucheta Kamath, is an award-winning speech-language pathologist, a TEDx speaker, a celebrated community leader, and the founder and CEO of ExQ®. As an EdTech entrepreneur, Sucheta has designed ExQ's personalized digital learning curriculum/tool that empowers middle and high school students to develop self-awareness and strategic thinking skills through the mastery of Executive Function and social-emotional competence.

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