City University Qatar advanced its CUQ Career Lab Series with an insightful workshop on communication skills, titled The Art of Influence: Mastering Communication for Success.

City University Qatar (CUQ), in partnership with Ulster University, continued its CUQ Career Lab Series with a powerful session on communication and influence. Held on 16th April 2025 at CUQ’s Lusail Campus, the workshop titled The Art of Influence: Mastering Communication for Success brought together students, faculty, and staff keen to strengthen their interpersonal and leadership skills.

Mastering the Power of Communication

Led by Amna Jamshaid, Lecturer in Psychology and Wellbeing Counsellor, the session offered attendees a deep dive into the psychology of communication. Drawing from real-world scenarios and psychological models, Amna emphasised that effective communication is about far more than just words. In fact, 55% of how we communicate is through body language, 38% through tone and pace, and only 7% through actual words.

Participants explored common barriers to communication, including external noise (environmental distractions) and internal noise (our own thoughts, stress, and emotional filters). These often prevent us from truly connecting and being understood.

Amna also introduced the concept of filters—memories, values, attitudes, and beliefs that shape how we interpret messages and respond. Understanding these filters is essential to becoming a more mindful and impactful communicator.

Emotions, Influence, and the Brain

A key focus of the session was the role of stress and the brain in communication. Through visuals and discussion, participants learned how the stress response system can shift us into reactive modes, impairing our ability to listen, empathise, or respond thoughtfully. The balance between the emotional (limbic) brain and the rational brain plays a vital role in regulating communication, particularly in high-pressure situations.

Attendees were also introduced to the DESC Method—a tool that empowers individuals to express themselves clearly and assertively. It involves:

• Describing the situation
• Expressing how it feels
• Specifying what’s needed
• Conveying the consequence

This method is especially helpful when addressing challenging conversations while maintaining respect and emotional control.

Understanding Passive Aggression and Behavioural Dynamics

One of the workshop’s most impactful sections explored passive-aggressive communication—a common but often misunderstood barrier in relationships. Participants learnt how passive aggression stems from fear of confrontation, a lack of assertiveness, or growing resentment.

Amna broke down the signs of passive aggression (e.g. sarcasm, procrastination, silent treatment, backhanded compliments) and explained its effects: confusion, misinterpretation, unresolved issues, and delayed emotional outbursts.

Reflection and Self-Awareness

The session concluded with a reflective exercise, inviting attendees to think about a recent conversation where they felt unheard or frustrated. They were encouraged to identify which ego state they were in at the time—and consider how approaching the situation from an Adult perspective might have led to a better outcome.

Through this practical and psychologically grounded session, CUQ students and staff gained valuable tools to improve their self-awareness, navigate complex interactions, and build more meaningful, constructive relationships both personally and professionally.

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Interested in developing your communication skills or attending future workshops?
Visit cuq-ulster.edu.qa/careerlab to learn more and register for upcoming sessions.