Sunday, August 22, 2010

Why Effective Communication Skills are Important To Me

Communication, is defined as the transmitting of ideas, messages and emotions from the sender to the receiver simultaneously. The effectiveness in communication comes about when these ideas, messages and emotions interpreted by the receiver is somewhat similar to what the sender hopes to transmit. In my opinion, effective communication skills are vital to me due to many reasons.

First and foremost, being able to communication effectively would definitely be able to bring me a step closer to my peers, family and loved ones. I would be able to share my thoughts and feelings with them accurately, and them, to me. In this way, it leads to a greater mutual understanding amongst us as we are able to understand each other better, which may even lead to effective communication through non-verbal means. This would only come about when there is a huge depth in understanding a person effectively. Hence, this would allow me to interact with people better, equipping me with greater interpersonal skills.

Secondly, effective communication skills would also result in a decrease of the likelihood of a miscommunication and misunderstanding amongst peers. More often than not, I tend to feel frustrated at my incompetence to transmit information to others accurately, hence leading to a communication breakdown due to a difference in the interpretation of the information given. A common scenario where I have experienced this, would be that in a workplace, where superiors were unable to give accurate instructions to his workers, leading to a failure in completing the allocated jobs. Another would be a miscommunication of ideas among my friends, leading to tension and arguments. Thus, in my opinion, with effective communication skills, such problems would definitely be alleviated, if not eradicated. Instructions would be transmitted how they were supposed to be transmitted, and the receivers would be able to comprehend them how the senders would want them to comprehend. With a greater understanding, the chances of having a miscommunication and misunderstanding would definitely lessen. Hence, leading to lesser tension amongst peers and a greater understanding, which would forge better social interactions and bonds.

On a side note, I recently read on the net, that there is a good interpretation of the word 'assume'. I quote, "when you assume, you make an “ass” out of “u” and “me”. Assumptions happen when messages are not transmitted accurately and there is a lack of understanding, which results in people to assume their own interpretations. This causes misunderstandings and in some cases, leads to embarrassment and awkwardness due to an incorrect comprehension of the information.


Last but not least, being able to communicate effectively would definitely aid me in my future career. Equipped with the necessary skills, I would be able to present myself how I would want my future superiors to view me. Whether in interviews or presentations, I would be able to present my ideas to them accurately, which would again, prevent the occurrence of a miscommunication and an assumption of ideas. This would enhance the productivity and understanding amongst me and my colleagues in a working company. Once effective communication is achieved, I would be able to present ideas to a crowd easily and accurately, leading to a stronger ability in public speaking and hence, boosting my morale and self-confidence.

In my opinion, with so many advantages in effective communication, it is a definite must-have. It allows me to grow into a better person through better understanding amongst me and my peers, as well as allow me to have better interpersonal skills and at the same time, understand myself better to equip me with intrapersonal skills as well, and hence, leading to better social networking.

8 comments:

  1. Hi Alicia,

    Honoured to be the first to post a comment here!

    It was an enjoyable read. I especially like your quote that "when you assume, you make an “ass” out of “u” and “me”". Indeed, many miscommunications could be due to the unnecessary assumptions we unintentionally make. In your example, the superiors might have assumed that all the workers understand perfectly the instructions given. The workers might assume that others will do the work which they themselves are supposed to do.

    You really convinced people that communication skills are "definte must-haves" for everyone. Would it be better to make this post shorten since we have been given a specific word range, 200-250 words. This is just my little suggestion. :) See you in class!

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  2. Dear Alicia,

    This is a highly detailed post reflecting a huge effort. You explain in numerous ways how effective communication can be beneficial to you and to others. Like XiXi, I'm also entertained by the way you present the dangers of assumptions. Your enthusiasm for the topic is suggested by the numerous examples. As far as content goes, you have painted a very complete picture.

    Of course, completeness is important when responding to an assignment. In this essay, however, you sacrifice conciseness in delivery. That might be an area that you take account when writing your next post.

    Some other points to take note of are in the sentences below:

    1) You wrote: "Communication is defined as the transmitting of ideas, messages and emotions from the sender to the receiver simultaneously." According to whom?

    2) being able to communication effectively would definitely be able to bring me a step closer to my peers >>> being able to communicate effectively brings me a step closer to my peers

    3) effective communication skills would also result >>> effective communication skills also result

    4) A common scenario where I have experienced this, would be that... >>> A common scenario where I have experienced this is that...

    * Be careful about overusing the auxiliary verb "would".

    5) Another would be a miscommunication...>>> Another is a miscommunication ...

    6) which would forge better social interactions >>> which might forge better social interactions

    7) I recently read on the net, that there is... >>> I recently read on the net that there is ...

    8) Once effective communication is achieved, I would be able to present ideas ... >>> Once effective communication is achieved, I can/will/might present ideas ...

    In any case, thank you for your first post. I look forward to reading more from you!

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  3. Hi Alicia,

    From your blog entry, you truly gave serious thought about the importance of effective communication in forging greater personal ties, alleviating misunderstandings and lastly, as an addded bonus to aid in your job prospects.

    Though your post may seemed lengthy (I must also admit that I committed the same mistake in posting a lengthy blog entry), I would say that the points given were well substantiated with good facts and examples. A slight personal touch to the post would make it an interesting article to read and enjoy. :D

    Anyway, it was a job well done. Hope to see you in our next lesson.

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  4. Hi,

    I am really impressed how clearly you listed why Effective Communication is important to you. I believe that many of us do have the same opinions as you but is unable to point it out so clearly, although you sounded like a salesman listing down all the merits of his product. Haha :)

    However, I think sometimes feelings are not so clear cut as how to convey them. In many situations, there are times where the person himself is unsure about his or her feelings. This is when effective communication comes in very important for the other parties to be able to pick up non verbal cues from the person.But sometimes I really find it really tough, especially with females :)

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  5. Hi Alicia,

    First of all, very cute dp {:)}. You organised your thoughts very well and presented on your blog.You must have planned which is a great sign for any task. The points elaborated the benefits from personal to social and then to career assets which are the only elements for which we live in this world.Hence having advantage of effective communication can help being a winner in all these scenarios as you mentioned and not repeat those mistakes ( which you gave as examples). As Xi Xi and Sylvester mentioned , there are many situations where misunderstandings can seriously lead to troublesome career and social life. So having the advantage of right communication skills can really avoid those situations.

    We all seem to be beginners.Well all we have to do is focus and come out with great spirit of communicating well.Good luck.cheers!!!...thanks.

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  6. Hi Alicia,

    In this blog post, I could see that you have really planned the essay very carefully. Each points are very well elaborated, covering an extensive aspect of effective communication. I feel like I am reading a General Essay paper or some sort.

    I really like the example you give about assumption. It is hilarious, at the same time reflecting the reality. Nevertheless, I have to say that sometimes we have to make assumptions. In certain circumstances, the reality could not be easily obtained just by asking. Assumption have to be made based on evidence.

    On the language side, I could see a few awkward sentences like "effective communication skills would also result in a decrease of the likelihood" would be more concise if it is "effective communication skills will reduce the likelihood."

    Nonetheless, the overall, it's a comprehensive essay with a well-developed ideas. Great job.

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  7. Hi all,

    Thanks for your invaluable comments on my post! (: They were much appreciated. Indeed, I have definitely overshot the word limit incredibly much, hence lacking in the area of being concise. I will take heed of this in my next post. (:

    To Brad & XiXi, I felt that the meaning behind the word assume is an apt explanation on the consequences of assuming at the wrong times. Hence, I decided to add it in for illustration. I'm glad that you both found it humourous. (:

    Thank you everyone, I will try my best to write better updates in the future! (:

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  8. Hi AliBABA,

    An insightful read which illustrates the benefits of effective communication pretty well! How true it is to say that effective communication brings us a step closer to our peers, family and loved ones. With constant communication, both parties are able to keep each other updated about their respective lives. A sustainable relationship thus starts from effective communication.

    Also, it is an undeniable fact that people who can speak well tend to be the ones taking the leadership roles in various fields. You do possess the quality of being one, work hard and you will definitely reap what you have sown!

    CHeers,
    Xiaoshi

    ReplyDelete