Communication- The Must Skill

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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