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.
