Why developing effective communication skills is important to me

We are social beings and we interact with one another everyday. Communication skills are important to me because they are like tools to a carpenter. When a tool used for cutting is blunt, it will not be able to achieve its full potential of making a clean cut and may result in a coarse piece of work. We need to sharpen the tool regularly for it to be useful for its work. Similarly, it is pertinent to constantly develop our communication skills so that it becomes an effective tool to expedite the exchange of ideas and opinions, boost self-confidence and create good impressions while preventing undesirable outcomes.

Effective communication enables others to interpret and understand accurately what we are trying to convey. Each of us has different motivations and expectations when we communicate. Some people speak or write letters to clinch business deals, some to show concern and care and others to educate. The person on the receiving end can only interpret our intention through the words that we utter and our body language. If we do not express ourselves coherently, needless misunderstandings may arise because of misinterpreted intentions and our expectations may not be met. As the world becomes more interconnected and we interact with people from different nationalities, backgrounds, cultures and ideologies in school and eventually in the workplace, miscommunication may become more common if we do not possess effective communication skills.

Effective communication skills are also important to me because having them leaves others with a good impression of us and inevitably boosts our self-confidence. Lecturers and teachers who have crossed my path and displayed effective communication have led me to this realisation. Those who are strict with their use of language and precise with their words tend to be particularly meticulous, organized and clear-headed. Appropriate expressions and body language also bring out their wisdom and high emotional quotient. These are teachers who are approachable and clear in their instructions and who have benefitted students like me greatly. Therefore, I feel that it is important for me to write and speak effectively so as to leave a good impression on others and build relationships, which may pave the way for further collaboration and interaction.