Communication Skills – Do We Need Them?

Why do we need communication skills?

When we talk about communicating we are talking about the ability to give and to receive information effectively. If your words and ideas are not understood easily, then more time and energy (and possibly money) is used to make that happen.

Communication skills are in the category of SOFT SKILLS that employers look for – in contrast to the HARD SKILLS that are specific to an industry. According to Wikipedia, the soft skills are  critical thinking, problem solving, public speaking, professional writing, teamwork, digital literacy, leadership, professional attitude, work ethic, career management and intercultural fluency, among others.

Types of Communications

Here are four types of communication:

1. Verbal communication is how you speak. You speak in meetings, on the phone, via video chat, when networking, and even just as casual conversation in the office. Do people understand what you are saying? Are they able to follow through with what you are telling them? (See one of our blogs about public speaking.)

2. Nonverbal communication is more subtle, it is about body language. This is in the way you stand, the look on your face, and even some vocal inflection. Make sure that your body is telling the same story that you are trying to tell. (See our blog about body language.)

3. Written communication is…all…about…your…writing. This comes out in reports, contracts, proposals, emails, and even that old standard, the letter. Life is too short to read badly written emails, rambling reports, or overly complicated messages. (See our blog about writing skills.)

4. Visual communication has become extremely important in our society. Visual is done through photography, videography, art, drawings, sketches, charts and graphs. The advent of Social Media, email, and video conferencing makes the visuals a strong tool. A great image or chart will tell your story even if the accompanying words never get heard or read. (See our blog about tools for visual presentations.)

Yes, but does that answer the question of why we need communication skills?

To be more exact we don’t just need communication skills, we need GOOD communication skills.

Good communication skills allow people to understand information quickly. While, poor communication skills lead to frequent misunderstandings and often end in frustration.

But why should that affect my job? It affects your ability to sell, your ability to buy, your ability to teach, your ability to learn, your ability to work collectively, as well as your ability to build and lead a team or organization.

And it is all about work? Good communication skills are invaluable throughout all the areas of your life. Work to improve your speaking and writing abilities, as well as your ability to listen, and you will be on the path to being a great communicator.

This information is discussed in our Staff Development, Sales, and Leadership curriculums. If you’re looking for ways to improve your communication skills, register for one of our upcoming public classes or online classes & webinars.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay  

Other Resources:

What is Communication?

How Visual Communication Helps You Connect With Your Audience

Effective Communication