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| Mariette Valsan |
- Brian Mendonca
When Mariette mentioned she was keen on doing a workshop on creative communication, I felt it was a great idea. Mariette had spoken earlier on colourism and Columbia , so why not communication?
We had no idea what to expect or how to pitch it. But as D-day approached, things started falling into place. She had asked for a number of props, some of which intrigued me. But I knew the workshop would be the better for them.
After chasing registrations since early July, by the day of the workshop we were overbooked. We just believed we would break even. If the universe willed it.
The participants - to borrow a phrase from Suvir Saran - found the workshop not only an event, but an affirmation. They did myriad tasks in multiple spaces solo, and in groups. The rain held up and though there were splotches of water, the great outdoors upheld them.
Mariette had so much to bring to the table. She was so versatile and so confident. In her energetic, persuasive way she nudged the participants to discover themselves. Through her myriad experiences she showed how to make an impression and how to cope with rejection. She was down-to-earth.
On the set, all the actor focusses on is the time between when the director shouts 'Action' and when s/he says 'Cut.' In some sense it is an allegory of life itself.
The finale took the workshop to another level. The chrysalis bloomed and everyone did what they perhaps did not think they were capable of.
Everyone joined in singing the song at the end, reminding ourselves that we are the world, and we can make a brighter day, just you and me.
I liked how it was structured. Attention to detail, and advance planning helped. Most of all Mariette gave us her time. She had an amazing vibe and before we knew it the workshop was over. We had already overshot the runway.
In this age of AI and chatGPT real communication rarely happens among teens. This workshop on effective communication showed how nuanced communication can be and how it can be deployed. Mariette shifted the focus from texting back to talking.
Thank you Mariette for making it happen.
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Pic of Mariette at the workshop on Effective Communication on 20th August 2025. Suvir Saran, 'The House that Gudda Built.' Indian Express on Sunday. 24 August 2025. Updated 26/8/25.
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