Communication Skills
The ability to communicate is the primary factor that distinguishes human beings from animals. And it is the ability to communicate well that distinguishes one individual from another.
The fact, is that apart from the basic necessities, one needs to be equipped with habits for good communication skills, as this is what will make them a happy and successful social being.
In order to develop these habits, one needs to first acknowledge the fact that they need to improve communication skills from time to time. They need to take stock of the way they interact and the direction in which their work and personal relations are going. The only constant in life is change, and the more one accepts one's strengths and works towards dealing with their shortcomings, especially in the area of communication skills, the better will be their interactions and the more their social popularity.
The dominating question that comes here is: How to improve communication skills? Well, the answer is simple. One can find plenty of literature on this. There are also experts, who conduct workshops and seminars based on communication skills of men and women. In fact, a large number of companies are bringing in trainers to regularly conduct sessions on the subject, in order to help their work force maintain better interpersonal work relations.
Today, effective communication skills has become a predominant factor even while recruiting employees. While interviewing candidates, most interviewers judge them on the basis of the way they communicate. They believe that skills can be improvised on the job; but ability to communicate well is important, as every employee becomes the representing face of the company.
There are trainers, who specialize in delivering custom-made programs on the subject. Through the session they not only facilitate better skills in the department of communications, but also look into the problems that come in the way of being able to convey messages effectively. They discuss these issues with the management and then sought to design programs accordingly. For instance, time mismanagement becomes a cause for stress and frustration, which then hampers the possibility of healthy communications at work. Then in weeks to come the company organizes a program on time management. Thus, a workshop on communication skills helps the management t to deal with the finer employee nuances about which they lack awareness.
Definition Of Communication Skills
Every individual needs to be well equipped with the tools to communicate effectively, whether it is on the personal front, or at work. In fact, according to the management gurus, being a good communicator is half the battle won. After all, if one speaks and listens well, then there is little or no scope for misunderstanding. Thus, keeping this fact in mind, the primary reasons for misunderstanding is due to inability to speak well, or listen effectively.
According to the various dictionaries the definition of communication skills is as follows :
Communication skills includes lip reading, finger-spelling, sign language; for interpersonal skills use, interpersonal relations.
Communication skills is the ability to use language (receptive) and express (expressive) information.
Communication skills is the set of skills that enables a person to convey information so that it is received and understood. Communication skills refer to the repertoire of behaviors that serve to convey information for the individual.
Communication skills is the ability an individual displays in consistently demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, subordinates, and supervisors in professional manner and in the personal department.
Communication skills is generally understood to be the art or technique of persuasion through the use of oral language and written language. To understand the basic of communication skills, one needs to understand that communication is one of those words that is most hyped in contemporary culture. It includes a large number of experiences, actions and events; also a variety of happening and meanings, as well as technologies.
This, means that every platform for communicating is a communication event. This includes formal meeting, seminars, workshops, trade fairs, etc. Then there are the communication media such as radio, TV, newspapers, etc. The communication technologies include pagers, phones, etc. The communication professionals include advertisers, journalists, camera crew, etc.
TYPES OF COMMUNICATION
Communication is generally classified into a couple of types. The classifications include:
Verbal and non-verbal
Technological and non-technological
Mediated and non-mediated
Participatory and non-participatory
However, the commonly known types of communications are :
Intra-personal communication skills : This implies individual reflection, contemplation and meditation. One example of this is transcendental mediation. According to the experts this type of communication encompasses communicating with the divine and with spirits in the form of prayers and rites and rituals.
Interpersonal communication skills : This is direct, face-to-face communication that occurs between two persons. It is essentially a dialogue or a conversation between two or more people.
It is personal, direct, as well as intimate and permits maximum interaction through words and gestures. Interpersonal communications maybe:
Focused Interactions : This primarily results from an actual encounter between two persons. This implies that the two persons involved are completely aware of the communication happening between them.
Unfocused interactions : This occurs when one simply observes or listens to persons with whom one is not conversing. This usually occurs at stations and bus stops, as well as on the street, at restaurants, etc.
Non verbal communication skills : This includes aspects such as body language, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, etc., which also become a part of the communicating process; as well as the written and typed modes of communications.
Mass communication : This is generally identified with tools of modern mass media including social media marketing, which includes: books, the press, cinema, television, radio, etc. It is a means of conveying messages to an entire populace.
No matter what the different types of communication skills are, communicating is an ever-continuing process that is going on all the time. It is as important to human life as is day-to-day existence.
Communication is generally classified into a couple of types. The classifications include:
Verbal and non-verbal
Technological and non-technological
Mediated and non-mediated
Participatory and non-participatory
However, the commonly known types of communications are :
Intra-personal communication skills : This implies individual reflection, contemplation and meditation. One example of this is transcendental mediation. According to the experts this type of communication encompasses communicating with the divine and with spirits in the form of prayers and rites and rituals.
Interpersonal communication skills : This is direct, face-to-face communication that occurs between two persons. It is essentially a dialogue or a conversation between two or more people.
It is personal, direct, as well as intimate and permits maximum interaction through words and gestures. Interpersonal communications maybe:
Focused Interactions : This primarily results from an actual encounter between two persons. This implies that the two persons involved are completely aware of the communication happening between them.
Unfocused interactions : This occurs when one simply observes or listens to persons with whom one is not conversing. This usually occurs at stations and bus stops, as well as on the street, at restaurants, etc.
Non verbal communication skills : This includes aspects such as body language, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact, etc., which also become a part of the communicating process; as well as the written and typed modes of communications.
Mass communication : This is generally identified with tools of modern mass media including social media marketing, which includes: books, the press, cinema, television, radio, etc. It is a means of conveying messages to an entire populace.
No matter what the different types of communication skills are, communicating is an ever-continuing process that is going on all the time. It is as important to human life as is day-to-day existence.
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Effective Communication Skills
While it is an undisputable fact the communications forms one of the essential basis of human existence, yet most individuals overlook the need to refine their communication skills, from time-to-time. Effective communication skills is a must whether it is individual or then effective team communication skills.
According to the experts one can communicate effectively when they understand the stages of interpersonal communication, which are explained below :
The phatic stage : This is the initial exploratory stage, which determines the course of the conversation. This begins with the greetings and accompanying gestures such as eye contact, the smile, etc. In a formal encounter there is more distance between the individuals, as compared to in the case of an informal encounter. This stage is also known as the warming up stage. There is a no meaning and intention, but just the setting for the next level of the conversation.
The personal stage : This is the second stage in which the individuals bring a more personal element into the conversation. During this stage one generally brings down their social guard and begin to interact more openly. They are ready to let the others involved in the conversation more about themselves and the hesitation decreases. Interpersonal interactions generally move into a third stage. Otherwise professional interactions are generally confined to this stage.
The intimate stage : This stage is mainly meant for conversations between friends, family and relatives, where those involved in the conversation share a higher level of intimacy with each other. This stage of communicating usually entails opening one's heart and sharing rather intimate details, which is not a part of professional conversations.
Keeping in mind these stages, one becomes more aware of how their conversations should progress and where they need to conclude a conversation, or extend it for that matter. Effective skills in communication calls for awareness and attentive listening.
Examples Of Communication Skills
More often than never, most people consider themselves to be good and effective communicators simply because they feel they can speak fluently.
While speaking fluently is an important aspect of communicating, yet it is not the only requirement. One should be able to listen effectively, speak fluently and clearly, write well and read in the language/s they are familiar with.
Apart from these basic aspects of communications, one needs to keep in mind the non-verbal aspects too, in order to be considered adept in communication skills.
The fact is that one needs to constantly work towards developing effective communication skills. And primarily they need to overcome the barriers to effective communication. And this can be done when they are aware of the barriers and shortcomings.
This is in fact the first and foremost primary step to being good communicator. Given here are some of the barriers that occur in communicating effectively. Understanding these barriers will help one comprehend examples of communicating skills. After all breaking down barriers implies setting good examples...
The verbal barriers are:
Attacking :
Interrogating
Criticizing
Blaming
Shaming
You messages :
Moralizing
Preaching
Advising
Diagnosing
Endorsing Power
Ordering
Threatening
Commanding
Directing
Shouting
Name-calling
Refusing to talk
The non-verbal barriers are:
Flashing eyes
Rolling eyes
Quick movements
Slow movements
Arms crossed
Legs crossed
Gestures out of exasperation
Slouching
Hunching
Lack of personal hygiene
Doodling
Avoiding eye contact
Staring at people
Over fidgeting
More often than never, most people consider themselves to be good and effective communicators simply because they feel they can speak fluently.
While speaking fluently is an important aspect of communicating, yet it is not the only requirement. One should be able to listen effectively, speak fluently and clearly, write well and read in the language/s they are familiar with.
Apart from these basic aspects of communications, one needs to keep in mind the non-verbal aspects too, in order to be considered adept in communication skills.
The fact is that one needs to constantly work towards developing effective communication skills. And primarily they need to overcome the barriers to effective communication. And this can be done when they are aware of the barriers and shortcomings.
This is in fact the first and foremost primary step to being good communicator. Given here are some of the barriers that occur in communicating effectively. Understanding these barriers will help one comprehend examples of communicating skills. After all breaking down barriers implies setting good examples...
The verbal barriers are:
Attacking :
Interrogating
Criticizing
Blaming
Shaming
You messages :
Moralizing
Preaching
Advising
Diagnosing
Endorsing Power
Ordering
Threatening
Commanding
Directing
Shouting
Name-calling
Refusing to talk
The non-verbal barriers are:
Flashing eyes
Rolling eyes
Quick movements
Slow movements
Arms crossed
Legs crossed
Gestures out of exasperation
Slouching
Hunching
Lack of personal hygiene
Doodling
Avoiding eye contact
Staring at people
Over fidgeting
Importance Of Communication Skills:-
"Identification is one of the key ingredients of effective communication. In fact, unless your listeners can identify with what you are saying and with the way you are saying it, they are not likely to receive and understand your message."
The quote above is the underlying factor that explains the importance of communication skills.
In fact, there are other such quotes, which are as follows that explains the importance of effective communications skills:
Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.
the newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.
The colossal misunderstanding of our times is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change. 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. Some proverbs
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.
Argument is the worst sort of communication.
"Identification is one of the key ingredients of effective communication. In fact, unless your listeners can identify with what you are saying and with the way you are saying it, they are not likely to receive and understand your message."
The quote above is the underlying factor that explains the importance of communication skills.
In fact, there are other such quotes, which are as follows that explains the importance of effective communications skills:
Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.
the newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.
The colossal misunderstanding of our times is the assumption that insight will work with people who are unmotivated to change. 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. Some proverbs
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.
Argument is the worst sort of communication.
Verbal Communication Skills
Everybody has interesting thoughts floating in their mind, however only a few are able to communicate them effectively, and bring about a resounding impact on their audience. This is because they have probably sharpened their verbal communication skills. Many feel that this skill does not need any training, as every individual is able to communicate. Yes, every individual can communicate, but the problem is that every individual cannot effectively communicate. Then the common question that arises is : 'how to improve my communication skill'. Though the years, experts in the field of training have found innovative ways and have provided interesting tips and methods to improve your communication skills. Given here are some interesting tips ways in which one can improve the way in which they communicate : Be aware of the communication process : One should be aware of every aspect of the present communication - the purpose, objective and needs. One needs to be aware of what is occurring within the self; aware of what the others present feel; aware of all that is occurring between the communicators and aware of all that is happening around the communicators. Digging deeper : One should be able to dig below the surface and derive and understands each communicator's primary needs from the conversation taking place. Clarity of thought : One needs to be clear and focused on the subject at hand and not beat around the bush and be ambiguous. Listening empathetically : One should hone the skills of listening with understanding. Assert respectfully : It is important that one develops speaking up assertive communication skills. This is because when one is assertive, they are proving that they are confident about what they need to convey. Conflict resolution : One should be able to come to win-win solutions in orde to solve all problems that may occur from time-to-time. |
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List Of Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively is a trick learnt by many, but practiced perfectly by not too many. This is because for most communicating is simple process. However, it is not so, it a rather simple-complex-networking system that has varied undercurrents flowing between the speaker and listener/s.
Given here is an interesting list of communication skills that one should be aware of in order to better their ability to convey their valuable messages...
Taking responsibility for one's messages
Claiming ownership for one's messages
Preparing to listen
Encouraging the speaker to speak more
Reflecting on what the speaker has to say
Adapting to difference of opinions
Being open minded
Acknowledging differences
Assessing without being judgmental
Accepting feedback
Being assertive
Ability to share one's thoughts
Sharing one's feelings
Conveying to others a message without commanding or dictating terms
Being aware of the information coming in
Maintaining a communication wheel of conclusions, sense data, emotions, impact and desire
Calm repetition to drive in a message
Addressing people by their name
Ability to explain a concept differently so that all those present understand it at their level
Ability to resolve conflicts so that it is a win-win for all
Ability to be concise and clear
Ability to convey thoughts in a focused and concrete manner
Ability to confront a situation when faced with reputation crises using techniques of reputation management.
Ability to convey with and empathetic statement
Ability to explain objectively without evaluating
Ability to provide specific details supported by concrete examples
Ability to monitor emotional reactions and filter out irrational thoughts
Ability to project oneself into the audience's point of view
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