If asked, will I proudly claim to be an effective communicator?
My answer – probably a big No.
My answer – probably a big No.
Even though we have been communicating with others in various
aspects since the day we were born, sometimes the message that we try to convey,
may not get through to the other party. Information may be translated
ineffectively in the process and at the end of the communication line, the
whole message gets thwarted. In another
scenario, we may think that our words are harmless, but to the one on the
receiving end, it might be rude, belittling or even offensive. This is probably
why some say that communication is a form of an art, one that is not easily
mastered.
Indeed, I agree with that. Poor communication skills will lead
to a communication breakdown, where information is not successfully delivered
from one person to another. In some cases, poor communication skills harm
relationships because misunderstandings arise. This is why effective
communication skills are important, because we are not living alone on a
deserted island. We are living in a highly globalized world, where many people
of different cultures live together in one country, some even working together
in the same company. Often times, one needs to build healthy relationships with
one another to work together, and what we need is –good communication skills.
I believe that this is an asset which everyone should aim to
acquire as this will enable people to look at us in a different light, as compared
to a person who cannot express himself clearly. No doubt, these skills cannot
be attained overnight but through practice over time. I hope that after going
through this module, I would be able to apply these skills confidently label
myself an effective communicator.
I think I can understand with what you have said with regard to not being an effective communicator. I too do not think I am one who speaks or expresses myself properly when it boils down to serious talks. One important point that I can take away from your sharing is acquiring good communication skills does not necessarily benefit only the person seeking to improve his skills but it also results in hurting others less. Certainly, life should not be lived selfishly, but by also sparing a thought for those around us. And what better way is there than to leverage on communication to live that out?
ReplyDeletePertaining to what you said about communication breakdown, I have caused certain misunderstandings between my friends and I, resulting in unnecessary hurt. And this is precisely why we should continue to work towards communicating more effectively: to avoid hurting the ones we love.
I agree with you that effective communication is an art. I have experienced awkward situations when I used words with unintentional meanings when conversing. When I finally did realise my mistakes, it was too late. I have caused hurt, and the damage is irreversible.
ReplyDeleteBeing in the same major as you, I can empathize with you that chemistry students hardly communicate during class and we barely have the opportunity to voice out. I enjoy ES2007 because this module reminds us that we need to be conscientious on our non-verbal, verbal and para-verbal messages, and most of all, encourages us to speak up during class. I too, hope that ES2007 would be able to equip us with the skills needed to communicate effectively.
What does having 'good communication skills' break down into? In particular how does one adapt to a typical workplace context in the modern world where there are employees and even bosses from different cultures that one has to interact with on a daily basis?
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