Our world is drowned with info, from various written and auditory information to images to all types of non-verbal communication. The volume of data we face on a daily basis critically exceeds what we used to have to handle in earlier days.
For this reason, the ability to manage all this info and communicate effectively has become a precious asset. Nowadays, communication skills are among the most highly-demanded soft skills by companies. It remains at the top of the list, even above other soft skills such as critical thinking, adaptability and other skills.
Possessing advanced communication skills can help in all aspects of life - professional career, social interactions, and communication with family and friends. If you do not know how to manage all the data, information and communication around you, you can end up with systematic misunderstandings, late responses, low efficiency and, in some cases, disastrous consequences.
For example, if you cannot manage your correspondence efficiently and end up overlooking an important work deadline, it can become a serious situation. Or, let’s say you miss listening to what the counterparty is saying during very important negotiations and as a result, fail to close the deal.
We use various channels to communicate with others. These channels include:
- Verbal Communication - that is what we say and what others say to us
- Non-Verbal Communication - all non-verbal facial expressions, body language, and gestures
- Written Communication - e-mails, letters, websites, books, contracts, proposals, etc.
- Visual Communication - all types of images, graphics, infographics, videos, maps, photos, etc.
We may think that communication is easily managed, as this is something we’ve learned from childhood. Thus, we may see no reason to study it. However, this is a mistake. Many of us may actually have wrong perceptions and inefficient praxis and be missing systematic knowledge of this crucial element of our skillset.
We all make mistakes and need to learn how to communicate!
We all have weak points when it comes to communication. The most common issues include an inability to express yourself clearly and in just a few words, be it in written or spoken communication; lacking the skill of listening to others; an inability to be other-focused; lacking the skill of building strong and clear arguments, etc.
The ability to communicate efficiently and effectively boosts your professional skills to the next level. This provides you with the power to:
- Speak clearly and concisely and be able to listen to others
- Improve the efficiency of your business communication
- Build your self-confidence at all levels of communication
- Enhance the power and influence of your written and spoken words
- Increase your overall productivity and enhance your workflow path
- Build extensive business relationships with clients, colleagues, and superiors
The ability to apply the most efficient communication praxis in all kinds of situations is the key to professional success. People with excellent communication skills are a sought-after asset for any business. Thus, no matter which career you’re pursuing, proficiency in communication will definitely help you to get there.