Prof:
Prashant D. Salvi
M.A.
B.Ed. (English Literature)
Mumbai.
Communication- The Must Skill
Communication is a two-way
process. This means that both the person communicating (communicator) and the
person being communicated (communicatee) must participate actively during the
process of communication. Communication happens when ideas, thoughts,
information, etc, are shared between two people. Since communication is a two-way
process, successful communication relies on both communicator and communicatee.
Most people in the world think
that communication, probably means talking, or verbal communication. However,
it is important to remember that talking is not the only form of communication.
In addition to verbal communication, you communicate non-verbally with body
movements and facial expressions. Communication can also be in written or
electronic form.
Every time in communication,
when you communicate, you use different rules and ways to communicate
effectively. Good communication skills not only help to improve your personal
relationships but also professional growth. You may be a common person, businessman,
professionals, students, etc; You must possess strong communication skills.
Communication
has become the most significant factor in our lives, whether with
friends, family, work colleagues, or partners. A lot of issues can be formed or
aggravated through poor communication skills.
The
given write-up focuses on enhancing your communication also shows ways in
which you can develop.
There are four factors/rules
of effective communication.
1. Listening
2. Verbal Communication
3. Nonverbal Communication
4. Emotional Awareness
1.
Listening:
- Is Listening and
Hearing same? Once I asked this question in the classroom to my students. Many
of them were baffled, the majority of them were saying, It is the same. But it was not fact.
The discussion started; I gave a simple exam of the “horns” of vehicles outside
the classroom are said to be ‘Hear’ whereas the lecture is said to be ‘Listen’. I
further explained that the vehicle horn sound is striking unintentionally on your
ears whereas lecture involves your mind and ears.
Listening is the most important factor for
effective communication. We should become Active listeners and it doesn’t come
naturally to us. It requires conscious effort to be the Active Listener. It
takes practice and can be difficult to master. Active listening comes with
fully concentrating on what is being said, absorbing it without pre-judgment
rather than hearing the general message. Most people misunderstand ‘Hearing’
and ‘Listening’. But both these concepts are different. Hearing is
merely a Physiological activity whereas Listening is Physiological and mental
activity whereas.
There
are a couple of habits we should imbibe to become a good listener. While
Listening, we should Concentrate on what is being said. We shouldn’t be
distracted and formulate a response hastily. Remain engaged in conversation -look
at the person speaking, nod occasionally to show that you’re listening. You
should Wait for the speaker to finish speaking before asking queries and don’t disturb
with a response.
2.
Verbal Communication: -
Another factor for effective communication. We depend on verbal communication to exchange
messages with one another and develop as individuals. The term verbal
communication often conjures the idea of spoken communication, but written communication is also part of verbal communication.
Verbal communication is both written and
spoken. In general, verbal communication refers to our use of words while
nonverbal communication refers to communication that occurs through means other
than words, such as body language, gestures, and silence. Both verbal and
nonverbal communication can be spoken and written. Many people mistakenly
assume that verbal communication refers only to spoken communication.
Then verbal
communication can be classified into Four Types. Verbal
communication includes sounds, words, language, and speech. The effective
use of verbal communication leads to effective communication. The proper use of
spoken and written words leads to effective communication.
3.
Nonverbal
Communication: Non-verbal communication takes place without the use
of spoken or written words. Non-verbal communication comprises eye contact, facial expressions, gestures,
posture, personal appearance, the physical environment, signs, symbols, and
paralanguage, the use of time, and the distance between you and your audience
(proxemics). For example, crossed arms can imply defensiveness, poor posture
may seem unprofessional, and avoiding eye contact will draw away from the confident impression we want to give.
Verbal and non-verbal
communication takes place parallel to each other. In fact, they are
complementary to each other. Nonverbal communication is less cognitive
control and revealing more of what we actually think and feel. Body language,
facial expressions, and vocal characteristics are not easy to control, whereas
verbal communication is done intentionally.
We should give special
attention to nonverbal communication to achieve effective communication. The
fact is that nonverbal communication is double edge sword. So, we should be
extra cautious while using it.
4.
Emotional Awareness:
- Emotional awareness means
the ability to understand feelings, will help you succeed when communicating. If
you are emotionally aware, you will communicate better. You
will notice other people's emotions and how the way they are
feeling influences the way they communicate. Your emotional awareness
empowers you to accurately read other people, counting the emotions they're
feeling and the unspoken messages they're sending. The communicator should create
belief in relationships by sending nonverbal signals that match up
with your words. You should respond in ways that show others that you
understand and care.
For example; when a teacher
enters a classroom for the last lecture of the day (time table) for
students, students will be almost closed for learning. But as a teacher, you
cannot waste your lecture. Here if the teacher starts his lecture with touches of humor note
or drops some innovative thought, which can surely improve the student’s
attention toward your lecture. So
emotional awareness in communication has also become important for effective
communication.
Communication is a skill. There is always
scope to improve your skills. As communication is a must in everyday life, we
must strive to enhance it. These four factors are sure roads to achieve
effective communication.
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