The Importance of Communication Skills
Communication skills are important.
You need to communicate your message to other people.
You need to gain their agreement and willing cooperation.
Imagine what happens to people who cannot effectively communicate their message. They cannot make other people understand what they mean; or they cannot get others to agree with them; nor can they gain their willing cooperation.
On the other hand, imagine how great life would be if you could communicate in such a way that everyone always understood you, they always agreed with you and they cooperated with you all the time, on everything.
What a wonderful world that would be.
So, you need to gain the skills of communication that will cause people to understand you, agree with you, and be motivated to cooperate with you.
How would you do that? Learn to communicate in ways that are:
- Clear.
- Well-reasoned.
- Motivational.
Let us say a few words on each.
1. Clear.
Clear communication means communication that is specifically worded so that there is no ambiguity.
Clear language is well defined, numerical and specific.
Unclear language is ill-defined, not numerical and unspecific.
Keep a close watch on your vocabulary and make sure you are using words that are specific, numerical and ensure you define all your key terms.
2. Well-reasoned.
If you want people to believe you, then you'll need to give people "reasons to believe".
In these days of fake news, people are more sceptical than ever. They won't believe you unless you give them a good reason to believe. And even then, they may not believe you. You must verify your message by referring to facts. You need to give a logic to your message.
If there is no reasoning, then there will be no reason for anyone to believe your message.
You must provide reasons to believe, that what you say is true, right or good.
Or - if possible - true, right AND good.
3. Motivational.
Even if your message is perceived as true, that does not mean anyone will act on it. You need to add motivation to your message.
How do you add motivation to your message?
You make your message relevant to your listener.
If your message is irrelevant to your listener, then your listener won't act on your message.
On the other hand, if you make your message personally relevant to your listener, then he/she will be more likely to act on your message and get involved.
For example, if you were told that house burglaries were increasing in Sydney, Australia, then you would not be interested.
But if were told that burglaries are increasing in YOUR neighbourhood, then THAT may gain your attention.
Communication skills are about learning the art of language.
Make your message: clear, well-reasoned and motivational.
If you want to perfect the art of communication, please take a look at our one-day Effective Communication Skills training course.
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communication skills
In business, communication skills are the set of abilities that let a person share ideas in clear words, back each point with sound reason, link the message to what the listener cares about, and reach shared understanding, agreement and willing action.
CG4D Definition
Context: Business
Genus: Competency
- Uses clear, specific words so the message is never vague
- Builds each point on sound logic and fact
- Links the message to the listener’s needs to prompt action
- Aims for understanding, agreement and joint effort
Article Summary
Great communication skills rest on three simple acts: speak in clear words, back each point with sound reason, and link your message to what your listener cares about; do this and people will understand, believe and choose to act.