“What we have here is a failure to communicate.” Cool Hand Luke
When I sat down to write this article about the importance of Communication Skills in the 21st century workplace, you would think that this story would write itself. It seems like an easy idea to explain. Just look at all the different ways we have to get a message out; TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, t-shirts, telephone, fax, e-mail, voice mail, a memo, reports, the way we dress, the tone of voice, body language, choice of words, but how to approach this subject.
As with any broad based topic, we need a place to start. Going to a handy dictionary, this was the definition that was written; Communication is an act or instance of transmitting information. The key here is passing along information. And the more effective we are, the better opportunities for career advancement and growth will appear.
When most of us think about this topic, we think of the spoken word. And one thing we learn, is that there is more to this than meets the ear. The tone of voice, pace, diction and the words we choose play into whether or not our message is understood (not just heard). Good communication allows others to hear the message and pass it on. Knowing who your audience is and the reason why you are talking to them enables you to focus the message so the person you’re talking to can not only “hear’ but understand what exactly is being communicated.
To help strengthen this part of communication, the key is to listen. Listen to a reporter or an education\nature program. Hear how people use words to describe events and ideas. Then, talk to someone about what you heard. Put the information into your own words so you can understand it first. Then, pass the knowledge along. Listen to what the listener is saying so you can try to hear what they heard. Make sure that both parties have an understanding of the idea and build on it. Listening is a passive skill that pays a HUGE dividend. To be able to solve a problem, one needs to listen to the details, the story behind the event. Asking questions, repeating back what was said, allows you to see where the problem lies and sometimes offers simple solutions. There is an old saying, “we have 2 ears and one mouth and they should be used in proportion”. Listen twice as much as you talk.
The most intimidating and therefore uncomfortable way of Communicating is by the written word. Brevity, the right choice of analogies, and the words chosen paint a picture. Great writing is an art, but good, effective writing, delivering information in an easy to understand way, is what communications are all about. Pace and flow are important, but spelling and grammar more so. With spell check, dictionaries, and thesauruses at arm’s reach, there is only 1 excuse for mistakes of this type, carelessness. When you take your time and put the effort into developing your writing skills, it is an investment in yourself.
And how do you develop this skill? By writing, of course. Yes, you have to sit down with a pen and paper (or sit in front of a computer) and write something. Get used to writing again. Write out instructions on how to make ice cubes or do laundry. Look at how you present each step. Make sure the key points are covered. Use easily understood words. Let someone else read it and see if they can follow your instructions.
Reading is a very important aspect of strengthening Communication skills. As you read, you begin to see how others generate an idea clearly. You can learn how to use words better and develop your vocabulary.
We communicate in many different ways. Each brings a dimension, a depth to the information, such as its importance and how we recall and use it. Like most skills, you can make it stronger thru practice. The clearer you can get to the point and make it successfully, will determine the opportunities your future will hold.
When I sat down to write this article about the importance of Communication Skills in the 21st century workplace, you would think that this story would write itself. It seems like an easy idea to explain. Just look at all the different ways we have to get a message out; TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, t-shirts, telephone, fax, e-mail, voice mail, a memo, reports, the way we dress, the tone of voice, body language, choice of words, but how to approach this subject.
As with any broad based topic, we need a place to start. Going to a handy dictionary, this was the definition that was written; Communication is an act or instance of transmitting information. The key here is passing along information. And the more effective we are, the better opportunities for career advancement and growth will appear.
When most of us think about this topic, we think of the spoken word. And one thing we learn, is that there is more to this than meets the ear. The tone of voice, pace, diction and the words we choose play into whether or not our message is understood (not just heard). Good communication allows others to hear the message and pass it on. Knowing who your audience is and the reason why you are talking to them enables you to focus the message so the person you’re talking to can not only “hear’ but understand what exactly is being communicated.
To help strengthen this part of communication, the key is to listen. Listen to a reporter or an education\nature program. Hear how people use words to describe events and ideas. Then, talk to someone about what you heard. Put the information into your own words so you can understand it first. Then, pass the knowledge along. Listen to what the listener is saying so you can try to hear what they heard. Make sure that both parties have an understanding of the idea and build on it. Listening is a passive skill that pays a HUGE dividend. To be able to solve a problem, one needs to listen to the details, the story behind the event. Asking questions, repeating back what was said, allows you to see where the problem lies and sometimes offers simple solutions. There is an old saying, “we have 2 ears and one mouth and they should be used in proportion”. Listen twice as much as you talk.
The most intimidating and therefore uncomfortable way of Communicating is by the written word. Brevity, the right choice of analogies, and the words chosen paint a picture. Great writing is an art, but good, effective writing, delivering information in an easy to understand way, is what communications are all about. Pace and flow are important, but spelling and grammar more so. With spell check, dictionaries, and thesauruses at arm’s reach, there is only 1 excuse for mistakes of this type, carelessness. When you take your time and put the effort into developing your writing skills, it is an investment in yourself.
And how do you develop this skill? By writing, of course. Yes, you have to sit down with a pen and paper (or sit in front of a computer) and write something. Get used to writing again. Write out instructions on how to make ice cubes or do laundry. Look at how you present each step. Make sure the key points are covered. Use easily understood words. Let someone else read it and see if they can follow your instructions.
Reading is a very important aspect of strengthening Communication skills. As you read, you begin to see how others generate an idea clearly. You can learn how to use words better and develop your vocabulary.
We communicate in many different ways. Each brings a dimension, a depth to the information, such as its importance and how we recall and use it. Like most skills, you can make it stronger thru practice. The clearer you can get to the point and make it successfully, will determine the opportunities your future will hold.
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