The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan organized an impactful training session on “Communication and Public Speaking” as part of the State Bank Officers Training Scheme (SBOTS-27), held from May 29 to 30, 2025. The program was led by Dr. Sonia Irum, an expert in communication strategies and personal development, and aimed at equipping new officers with essential soft skills for effective leadership and professional success.
Communication and public speaking are core competencies for any professional working in high-stakes sectors such as finance and banking. Recognizing the significance of these skills, NIBAF designed this session as a foundational component of the SBOTS-27 curriculum. The training provided participants with structured exposure to both verbal and non-verbal communication techniques, strategies for engaging diverse audiences, and practical tools for enhancing their public speaking abilities.
Dr. Sonia Irum brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the session. Known for her engaging training style and in-depth understanding of communication dynamics in professional settings, she guided participants through a range of interactive modules. These included understanding communication models, managing stage presence, developing impactful speech structures, and handling public speaking anxiety—a challenge faced by many emerging professionals.
The two-day session was designed to be hands-on, encouraging active participation from the trainees. Through role-playing exercises, real-time feedback, group presentations, and one-on-one coaching, participants gained practical experience that extended beyond theory. The goal was to not only improve their communication style but also to instill confidence in expressing ideas clearly and persuasively—a skill that plays a vital role in policy advocacy, financial presentations, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership.
This training aligns with the broader vision of the State Bank of Pakistan to nurture well-rounded officers who can effectively communicate in today’s fast-evolving economic and regulatory environment. In a sector where complex policies and financial data need to be translated into actionable insights, strong communication skills become indispensable. Programs like these reflect NIBAF’s ongoing commitment to holistic professional development, preparing future banking leaders to navigate not only technical challenges but also interpersonal and leadership demands.
Participants of SBOTS-27 come from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, bringing diversity to the training room. This diversity further enriched the session, as different perspectives and communication styles were explored and refined under the mentorship of Dr. Irum. The trainees left the program with sharpened presentation skills, a stronger command over language and body posture, and the ability to communicate with clarity and conviction.
As banking continues to evolve with digital transformation and policy reforms, the ability to convey complex ideas effectively remains a critical advantage. Through initiatives like the SBOTS-27 communication training, NIBAF is setting a standard in grooming capable, articulate professionals who will represent the future of banking in Pakistan.
The successful completion of this module underlines the importance of soft skills in financial leadership and reaffirms the State Bank’s focus on developing human capital that can thrive in both local and international arenas.