According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, communication can be defined as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior” as well as “a technique for expressing ideas effectively”. Hence effective communication can be regarded to be a situation whereby thoughts and views of one person can be successfully transmitted across a medium to the intended person and vice versa so as to produce the complex web of information flow we see in today’s world.
Evolution has imbued in us the innate ability to communicate with other human beings as well as to be able to hone the skills and techniques required for a more efficient way of communication since Homo sapiens are classified as social creatures. A good example would be that when a newly-born baby arrives in this world, his/her first ability to communicate with the world would simply be crying regardless of anything such as feeling hungry, wetting diapers, feeling scared, feeling sleepy, etc. As the infant grows up, the parents will start to educate the child on the basic fundamentals of communication such as languages, speech, listening and writing. Subsequently as the child goes to school, he/she will learn more in-depth about how to communicate properly as well as being imparted with knowledge concurrently. When the child continues to move up the higher ladder of education, knowledge and communication skills will also advance up to higher levels, plus with more life experiences, the child will learn to mould and shape his/her ability to communicate appropriately as deem fit by various scenarios. Later when the child goes into society to work, he/she will also need to adapt to communicate proficiently in society as a mature adult. Thus, equipping with effective communication skills in one can be treated like a life-long learning process basically because we inevitably cannot escape from communicating with people unless we are like “isolated in a no-man island”, which is very unlikely since our species have colonized most of the places on Earth.
In view of this, I believe that possessing effective communication skills can allow me to be a better listener and observer so that I will be able to apprehend the context of what others are trying to say and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. This will also allow me to strengthen the bonds with other people regardless of culture, gender, language, race or religion, thus it may be beneficial to both parties in whatever we do such as during studying, working or playing. Moreover, becoming a better speaker and writer can also be value-added in terms of establishing and maintaining good two-way communication networks with other people as I can relate my feelings, ideas and thoughts smoothly to them without resulting in any confusion. Besides that, endowing with effective communication skills and techniques can be considered to be important soft core skills as I will be more ready when tackling tasks such as writing business correspondence, writing reports, writing resumes and job application letters, going for interviews, giving oral presentations, etc.
In summary, developing effective communication skills are things that we cannot afford to overlook because these soft core skills are one of the “bare necessities” that we need in life to be able to interact competently with other people in society.
5 comments:
Hey Zhi Lian! I like your introduction. Though it is slightly long, but it actually brings across your point very well! I like the way you have linked up the growing up years with the soft skill that we need in our daily life.
It didn't cross my mind in any way that effective communication skill as a soft skill. This actually linked up to something that I've read. EQ is also a soft skill that is closely related to communication skill too. If a person doesn't have a high IQ (well, someone like me..), it is important that he or she has high EQ. This would actually offset the disability that he or she has. A Nobel prize winner once said that all Nobel prize winners are not as intelligent as you think. They have high EQ.
Well, I believe that it would inspire people like me to work harder on my EQ so that it would benefit me in the future!
Thanks for the enlightening post!
Hey Zhi Lian, Illya here.
Phew! I need a breather. That was one lengthy and information-overload post! Very enlightening though.
Anyways, you did mention how these skills can make one a better listener and observer. AGREED! With all this skills, I think it makes us a better leader too. We need all the people skill to handle all kind of situation; particularly in an organization where interpersonal relationship takes place. Difficult people, conflict and even negotiation without having to give in. Win-win situation for both parties! Hence, soft skills!
Whoops, I forget to mention. Loved the artwork on your blog setting. Hilarious!
Hi Zhi Lian, Daijing here. I totally agree that effective communication skills is an important soft skills that are needed in today's society. Having the specific technical skills required for the occupation may no longer be sufficient in getting job. From an article that I've read, it says that "research by Duncan and Dunifon suggests that soft skills are good predictor of labor market success as level of formal education" due to the benefit effective communication can bring about. In addition, with effective communication skills, it can reduce mistakes done resulting in dire consequences for the company. I guess that's why schools and companies are giving courses and trainings to students and employees to develop both their technical and effective communication skills.
Hi Zhi Lian, I appreciate the effort put in but your blog is a little too long. Could have left out the first paragraph and shortened the second. I understand the point you are trying to make - that "equipping with effective communication skills in one can be treated like a life-long learning process" but how is all this related to the question on why developing effective communication skills is important FOR YOU?
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