Need for Effective Communication Skills

Communication skills such as being an active listener and being able to interpret nonverbal communication cues are essential for effective communication.

One universal barrier to active listening is the socio-cultural barrier which includes accent difference, value difference and gender difference. After entering NUS, the number of international students I have met greatly increased and this has allowed me to interact and observe the difference between them and the Singaporeans. I have had the most experience with the Malaysians Chinese. They generally speak mandarin in a different accent and sometimes it can be hard to understand what they are trying to convey.

That is when nonverbal communication cues come in handy, though not always accurate but it presents rough ideas to understanding the communicator. From the gestures, postures, tension, face and eyes of a person can actually gives us information about him/her such as telling us if he/she is comfortable with us or is confidently speaking and also many other characteristics.

Each time we meet new people, the experience will be different. It is very important to know how to approach different people cautiously as all of us are different in terms of race, beliefs, culture and personalities etc. This would reduce unnecessary conflicts due to miscommunication and also ensures good impression set upon to others. Good communication is not only important to meeting new people, but it is also important to communicate effectively with our family and friends. Maintaining good relationships with our loved ones are definitely the key to a blissful life as these are the people that will always be there for us!

Effective communication will also aid me greatly in my career life as knowing how to present myself and conveying clear messages to my future job interviewers would assist me in getting my desired job. Besides, having effective communication skills in my workplace will allow smooth flow of messages put across to others, thus ensuring work efficiency.

Hence, developing effective communication skills is crucial to our everyday life. I hope to improve in my communication skills through this course not just by knowing the theory but also putting these skills into practical use.