Communication is a soft skill which has more to do with our emotional intelligence than our intelligence quotient. And it is by developing and mastering this soft skill that we can learn, work and live more successfully. Generally, soft skills include leadership, integrity, creativity, communication, courtesy, responsibility, professionalism, enthusiasm, flexibility, networking, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking. But amongst all, communication reigns supreme. It is the process by which the exchange of meaning between people takes place. It is very important in building relationships with people around us and to do so we not only need to be good speakers, readers and writers, we need to be good listeners too. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing (LSRW) skills of communication are a must to possess and practice in order to make a mark in the professional and personal sphere. Good communicators modify their communication according to the need of the situation they are in.
In the digital age, where there is so much interaction in all sorts of ways, but most of it not being face-to-face, good communication is more important so as not to send out a confusing message or share more than required in a situation. Digital communication is so swift and there is no undoing what has been sent out in the form of a message, email or post, that it makes it all the more important for you to reflect on what you are conveying. This is one of the reasons that at the workplace those who have good communication skills are recognized, valued and appreciated.
Good communication skills are necessary in all walks of life. The lack of effective communication skills has a negative impact on the personal as well as professional life of a person. Ultimately, communication should be effective. As long as there is clarity in communication, the goal of communication will be accomplished.
The importance of developing communication skills is immense. To begin with, cultivating a habit of reading the newspaper regularly would improve and increase your communicative prowess as well as your confidence levels. Reading newspapers daily is a habit that keeps you informed about world politics and current affairs. It is also a reliable source to expand your English vocabulary. Also, along with extensive knowledge, it can also help improve your spoken English as you read aloud with the articles, a habit that is important if you are trying how to learn to speak English fluently. Newspapers serve as a medium for you to engage with global issues, think critically, and get educated on a wide range of topics. It can also contribute extensively to your spoken English skills and help you learn how to speak English fluently. Reading newspapers would help energize your thinking skills and give you a platform to develop and synergize a thought process. Gradually you move on to reading magazines, novellas and novels that help you become a better version of yourself. The raconteurs have been mesmerizing voracious readers by the power of their words. The enthralled reader flips through the pages, reading well into the night, without giving much thought to the mode of communication.
Communication skills help students in their study, career development, job interviews, workplace and social networking.
There are several ways, through which you can enhance your communication skills. And people require these extra methods, to grow and improve their existing language. Some techniques are that you can attend workshops, or read about the topic. Certain authors have come up with self-help books, which make the task of understanding the concept very simple. Communication skills are required for maintaining relationships also. Effective communication skills are very important, for sustaining in the society. Most people judge another person on the basis of his/her body language and form an opinion based on their perception. What the spoken language fails to express is easily expressed with certain hand and facial gestures.
Communication helps people relate, interact, understand, believe and get connected to others. Globalization is also a result of communication. Communication is required everywhere, be it business, personal life, entertainment or for knowledge. Communication can be a one way or a two way process, depending on the way people react. For instance, sometimes while a teacher is trying to interact with the students, students don’t respond, therefore, although it was to be a two way communication it has become a one way communication process. Communication helps in gaining knowledge, interacting with other communities, and provides entertainment. The various forms of entertainment through communication are: novels, newspapers, bulletins, online interactions, watching TV, talk shows, etc.
Communication does not depend on syntax, or eloquence, or rhetoric, or articulation; but on the emotional context in which the message is being heard. People can only hear you when they are moving toward you, and they are not likely to when your words are pursuing them. Even the choicest words lose their power when they are used to overpower. Attitudes are the real figures of speech. When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. The problem with communication… is the illusion that is has been accomplished. The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be taken seriously. It’s really important to communicate without causing distress to someone’s feelings.
Communication skills help students in their study, career development, job interviews, workplace and social networking. Healthier communication with parents, teachers, colleges, cousins, classmates and with anyone can build students more trustworthy. It will build self-esteem and increase the confidence in students that will impact positively on their education. Communication skills are imperative for a student to grow and succeed. Most of the students do not feel confident to express themselves through presentations and speeches. Realizing the importance of these skills in modern day life, most schools, colleges and universities have made it a regular part of their curriculum.
Good communication skills are the proof of your education and culture. Communicate nicely with everyone and see the amazing results of your effective communication. Respect everyone not on the basis of caste, creed, religion, job and social status but as a human being. Care, concern, integrity, trust, honesty and truthfulness are the cornerstones of communication. Use the foundations of communication and you will understand how important effective communication is in our life.