THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Have you taken a long, hard look at how well you communicate with others lately? I bet the answer is "no". Well, I suggest that periodically you review how good you are at being clear in your conversations with others, your writing of letters, reports, etc., and your effectiveness in presenting information or delegating work.
Why should you do this? Well, to me the answer is obvious. One of the MOST powerful and important skills is to master the art of communication. For those of you in a job search or career change, how clearly you describe what you are looking for and how people can help you will determines a large percentage of how successful you will be in discovering opportunities. But, in general, all of us need to continue to improve our ability to communicate with others whether it is at work or at home.
Some concrete steps you can take are as follows:
1. Join a public speaking group in your area.
2. Sign up for an adult education class in communications, public speaking or business writing.
3. Practice organizing your thoughts before you speak - this is difficult to do but worth the effort. It demonstrates your clarity and thoughtfulness on any subject!
So talk to me and let me know how good communication skills have helped you!
Dr. Bamster
1 Comment
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (1)
Often we read of the importance of communication in the workplace -- for job-seekers looking to impress at interviews, for managers wanting to assure their employees productivity and happiness on the job, and for executives, networking in order to elicit support for their projects and ideas.
Communication is the stuff of our personal relationships -- how we share our thoughts and ideas, hopes and dreams, challenges and worries. We know how essential communication is in the family, and a
recent article I read on Yahoo news described the effect of married women's communicative style on their cardiac heatlh.
My profession allows me to continually work on improving my communication skills, even as I work to help others improve theirs. It's a fascinating process without an end, and always with opportunities for continued growth.