Communication Studies Students Deliver “Conversation and Debate Skills” Training for Confirmation Candidates

Graduate students of communication studies—Antea Brkić, Mila Nevenka Fofić, Maja Karolj, Helena Makarević, and Lina Šantak—under the mentorship of Kristijan Sedak, PhD, from the University Department of Communication Studies at the Catholic University of Croatia, conducted an educational programme titled “Conversation and Debate Skills” from November 2025 to April 2026. The programme was implemented as part of catechesis for confirmation candidates at the Parish of St. Anthony of Padua.

Through a series of sessions, participants were introduced to fundamental communication styles, the rules of school debate, basics of argumentation, and the importance of active listening, with a particular focus on verbal and non-verbal communication. The programme aimed to develop the ability to express one’s own views while also fostering understanding of others in dialogue.

The final session provided an opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge, with participants demonstrating their communication skills through structured public speaking, clarity of expression, and reasoned argumentation.

Through this project, the students—supported by mentorship—successfully connected theoretical knowledge with practical community engagement, contributing to the development of communication competences among young people within parish catechesis.