COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Introduction The ability to speak and communicate is the only difference between Animals and Human beings. Its due to effective communications skills that humans interact with one another as a social being. For a person to progress well in society, only merits are not enough, only qualifications dont work, the person have powerful communication skills so that he can put across to others what he wants them to do. Its all fine about communications skills but the question is how to improve these skills. Firstly, theres much literature on the net which you can read and utilize in your life. Secondly, you can get books on the subject and thirdly, you can join NEO in his Corporate English Training and Communication Classes. Definition of Communication Skills Different books and experts define communications skills differently but the most basic definition is that: Communication skill is the art and technique of communicating by using oral and body language to persuade him or bring into him the change that you want him to be.

Thus,

Communication

skills

is

the

ability

to

use

language

and

express

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 behaviors that serve to convey information. Communication skills is the ability an individual displays in consistently to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, subordinates, and supervisors in both the professional and personal world. Types of Communication Skills There are different types of communication skills. The first communication type is Para Communication Skills. This type of communication includes communicating with the divine and with spirits in the form incantations and rituals. Secondly, we have 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. This type of communication involves maximum interaction through words and gestures. Thirdly, we have 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. No matter what the different types of communication skills are, communicating is an evercontinuing process that is going on all the time. It is as important to human life as is day-today existence. The Need for Effective Communication Skills Communication is one of the essential basis of human existence, yet most people overlook the need to enhance their communication skills. Effective communication skills is a must whether it is individual or a group. But how can we effectively communicate? We can communicate effectively when we understand the stages of interpersonal communication: The first is the The Phatic Stage. This is the initial stage, which determines the course of the conversation. This begins with the greetings and accompanying gestures such as eye contact, the smile, etc. There is usually no intention, but its just the setting for the next level of the conversation. Next is the The Personal Stage. This is the second stage in which the individuals bring a more personal things into the conversation. Here, we are ready to let the others involve in the conversation more about themselves and the hesitation decreases. The third stage is the 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 takes opening ones heart and sharing rather intimate details, which is not a part reach of professional this stage. conversations. Professional Conversation doesnt usually

Some Barriers of Communication Being able to speak doesnt mean being an effective communicator. Communication is more than speaking. Yes, speaking is an important aspect of communicating but this is not the only tool. Speaking clearly and effectively is much more important than merely speaking. We need to focus on non-verbal aspects of communication and overcome the barriers of communication; otherwise, we cannot communicate well. The most important barriers of

communication are interrogating, criticizing, blaming, moralizing, threatening, name-calling, eyes flashing, showing quick movements, staring and over fidgeting. An effective communication can never take place unless we overcome these barriers. Even the best communicators do feel some communication barriers. There are usually one or many of these barriers in communication. There are listening barriers when interrupting people. Sometimes, participants are overzealous so it is difficult to communication effectively. Also there may be too many questions by the participants which could be difficult to handle. But speaking barriers are also great hurdles in communications. The speakers may speak incomplete sentences or transmit unclear messages. In communication, these barriers post a real problem for communicators. Verbal Communication Thoughts automatically keep floating in our mind, but there are very few of us who know how to express these thoughts and influence the audience. Yes, we can speak about our ideas and feelings but it is very difficult for some people to communicate these ideas effectively. Then the common question that arises is : how to improve my communication skill. Experts in the field of training have found innovative ways and have provided interesting methods to improve your communication skills. The first thing you need is to understand the purpose of your communication and understand the process of communication. Be aware of what others feel and be aware of what is happening around when you are communicating. Try to understand the needs of communicators. Dig out the deeper meaning from the conversations of participants so that you can understand their primary needs and purpose of communication. Clarity is thought is also very important. One must be focused on the subject at hand and not beat about the bush. Ambiguity is the greatest hurdle in communication. Try to be exact and direct and avoid being ambiguous. The most important skill in communication is listening. In fact, effective communication doesnt start with speaking. It starts with listening and understanding. So listening emphatically and try to understand what the person says. Listening also makes the conversation dynamic. Effective Communication ends in a win-win situation when all the conflicts or problems have been resolved.

What is good communication? Communication not only affects you as a person but also others who are engaged with you. Those who dont have good communication skills are either ignored or not related with in any way. Good communication skills are respected and welcomed by all. Good communicators are always popular with their fellows. What are good communications? The following are the major tips you must follow for good communication skills. A good communicator always maintains an eye contact with the audience. Its due to eye contact that you can get people involved in you. Thought eye contact, you can always watch the boy posture of your audience. Their body posture can give you much information as to what they are thinking of you or whether they are interested in you or not. Gestures are also of vital importance in communication skills. Use gestures and expressions as often as possible but they should be a natural part of your communication. These gestures should not be intrusive in your communication. The last tip for good communication is practice, practice and practice a lot. You can take a book and start reading aloud imagining an audience before you. You can also watch a TV program and mimic their presentations. What are the key communication Skills? The key communications that a person must learn in order to be a good communicator involve the following functions: Taking responsibility for ones messages, Claiming ownership for ones messages, Preparing to listen, Reflecting on what the speaker has to say, Being open minded, Acknowledging differences of opinions, Assessing without being judgmental, Accepting feedback, Ability to share ones thoughts and Feelings, Ability to resolve conflicts so that it is a win-win for all and Ability to explain objectively without evaluating. These key skills are important in communication skills. Communication training has become very important in 21st century so keeping these things in mind, different communication programs are designed. A good communication program must have the following key areas: Introduction to Communication Skills, Business Communication, Improving Speaking, Attentive Listening, Using examples and gestures, being emphatic, initiating the communication process, Praising without being superfluous and Conflict resolution win-win problem solving ability. The above are some of the general skills which must be in a every communication course.