Monday 10 / August / 2026
Communication is all about understanding your audience, says Rashmi Keshwani, author of The Communication Cookie. Her debut book takes you by surprise, captivating readers and prompting them to wonder how she came up with such an out an innovative title? and what connection could possibly exist between communication and cookies? Drawing on 15 years as a soft skills trainer for leaders, managers, and teams, Rashmi distills the essence of her wisdom on effective communication, serving it up in bite-sized portions, just like a cookie.
The word COOKIE in the title is an acronym through which she invented her brainchild framework which she has developed for the book. This book uses the COOKIE metaphor to deliver short, meaningful insights that are easy to absorb and apply. Each chapter works like a cookie, easy to take in, yet carrying an insight that stays with you on confidence, voice, presence and connection as she wrote.
I approached her to explore the wisdom behind her debut publication, and our conversation flowed like a natural spring. Open and welcoming, she created a warm, transparent space for dialogue, answering each question thoughtfully to shed light on what it truly takes to be an effective communicator. Our conversation unfolded as follows:
The title The Communication Cookie is both memorable and intriguing. What inspired the COOKIE metaphor, and why did you choose bite-sized wisdom as the vehicle to write on communication?
Thank you for your interest in my book and the opportunity to connect with readers in Oman. The idea came quite naturally actually. One evening I was sitting with my cup of coffee and, as always, enjoying a cookie. I absolutely love cookies! That’s when I thought, why not combine my love for communication with something I genuinely enjoy. That’s how The Communication Cookie was born. I also wanted to write a communication book that wasn’t conventional. There are so many books filled with theories and jargon. I wanted mine to feel like a treat, simple, enjoyable and practical. Just as you savour a cookie one bite at a time, I wanted readers to savour one chapter at a time. Every chapter is short, actionable and leaves you with something you can apply immediately.
You suggest that communication isn’t about saying more, but about connecting better. In your experience, what is the biggest reason communication so often misses the mark?
One of the biggest misconception is that communication is only about what comes out of our mouth. It’s not. I’ve met people with an excellent vocabulary who struggle to connect, and others with very simple language who leave a lasting impact. Communication is about connection. It’s about understanding people, reading situations, listening with intention, showing confidence, and being authentic. Words are just one piece of the puzzle. That’s exactly why I wrote the book. I wanted readers to see communication as a collection of skills that work together not just speaking.
Your book emphasises confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Which of these do people struggle with most, and where should they begin?
Most people struggle with confidence. I believe that Confidence isn’t something you suddenly wake up with. That’s why the first chapter is Chocolate Chip Confidence. Just like chocolate chips are small but make a cookie special, confidence is built through small, consistent actions. I always tell people to not wait until you feel confident to communicate. Start communicating, and confidence will grow along the way.
Having coached leaders, managers, and teams for over 15 years, what is the single communication habit that consistently transforms people’s effectiveness?
Knowing your audience. That’s why the K in COOKIE stands for KitKat Connect. Before you speak, ask yourself, who am I speaking to? What do they need from me? the moment people shift their focus from what do I want to say? to what does my audience need to hear? their communication becomes far more impactful.
You write that communication extends beyond presentations to everyday conversations, relationships, leadership, and even silence. Which of these dimensions do people most often overlook, and why?
I would say people overlook everyday conversations the most. We often think communication only matters during presentations, interviews, or important meetings. But our careers, relationships and leadership are shaped by the hundreds of small conversations we have every single day with colleagues, family, friends and even with ourselves. Those everyday interactions build trust, strengthen relationships and shape the way people perceive us. That’s why this book isn’t just about becoming a better public speaker. It’s about becoming a better communicator in every aspect of life.
Can you share a memorable story from your coaching experience where a small shift in communication created a profound personal or professional transformation?
One of the most memorable people I coached was the CEO of an IT organisation. He was an outstanding communicator in one to one conversations, but whenever he had to speak on stage, he would either avoid it or hand the opportunity to someone else. He came to me convinced that he needed to improve his communication skills. As we worked together, we discovered that communication wasn’t his challenge at all. The real barrier was his self-belief. A few negative experiences, coupled with deep-rooted childhood beliefs, had convinced him that he simply wasn’t meant to be a public speaker. Once he recognised those limiting beliefs, we focused on small, consistent steps. And when he finally delivered his first independent presentation after years of avoiding the stage, he was overwhelmed with joy. That experience reinforced something I deeply believe and it is that communication transformation begins with self-transformation. When we change the way we see ourselves, the way we communicate with the world changes too
If every reader could leave The Communication Cookie with just one enduring lesson, what would you hope that lesson would be?
I hope readers walk away believing that small changes in the way we communicate can create big changes in the way we connect, influence and build relationship Just like a cookie is small but satisfying, every lesson in this book is simple enough to apply immediately. My hope is that readers don’t just finish reading the book but they start practicing one communication habit at a time and experience the difference it makes in their relationships, careers and confidence.
What do want to leave as a departing note?
Since your column has youth in mind, allow me to conclude with this message. I want to whisper in the ear of every young person reading this, I want to leave you with one thought. Your qualifications may open the door. But your communication skills can decide how far you go. You may have brilliant ideas, genuine talent and big dreams. But what truly matter is your ability to bring those qualities to life. To make your thoughts understood, your presence felt and your potential visible. Communication is not about having the perfect words. It is about having the confidence to say what you mean, stand by what you believe and connect with people along the way. So don’t underestimate this skill. Invest in your voice. Invest in your confidence. Invest in yourself. Because the world needs your ideas, your perspective and your contribution. And in a world full of talented people, being able to communicate your value is a powerful advantage. Hence, make your communication as delicious as a cookie. Believe me it will be rewarding. As Maya Angelou Said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Go ahead embrace the wisdom of The Communication Cookie to leave behind a tasty impact wherever, your destiny drifts you in your pursuit to be the best version of you.
