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Honestly, I probably will never spend time and ponder on the importance of communication because it is so ingrained in our lives.
Little did I realise that the process of communication is
much more complex than it really seems.
It is not just a mere translation of our thoughts into words, body languages etc, but more often on learning to interpret and be interpreted correctly.
However, in many situations, there is often a loss of meaning in the messages transmitted and that is when effective communication comes into play.
Loss of meaning can be attributed to potential sources of errors, which include perceptual biases, cultural differences, and the use of language. These potential errors can cause a message to be interpreted wrongly, hence causing misunderstandings.
For example, a strained working relationship can occur between a boss and his subordinate if a boss misinterpreted his subordinate’s reason of absence in work. Thus, learning to recognize these errors enables us to be objective in interpreting messages.
Having effective communication skills enables us to understand the different communication networks and channels, thus we are better able to choose a more appropraite channel to achieve the best result of communication.
For example, a face to face channel in a semi formal setting will be appropriate in gathering feedback from subordinates on improving the team’s work performance.
Communicating effectively also ensures the maintenance of good interpersonal relationships especially in the event where one needs help.
When we learn to be empathetic and to listen actively, we are then better able to help others. Thus, problems can be solved like in the case of understanding the reasons for a colleague’s work performance discrepancies and suggesting solutions to help.
Thus the way we communicate with others
affects how they respond and feel about
what we have said (or not said! )
8 comments:
Hi Hannah, one thing I absolutely agree with you is that communication is much more complex than it really seems! Maybe just to voice my personal dissatiscation a little: I always felt that the education system in Singapore, with all its emphasis on grades and results, places too little emphasis on addressing this complexity. Granted, it is difficult to teach something as intangible as "effective communication skills", but I always believed that more can be done to tackle this issue.
As for ineffective communication resulting in "loss of meaning", I believe that perhaps we should also take into account "misintepretation of meaning" and "addition of meaning". My personal opinion is that most of the so-called "backstabbing" that often occur in the workplace is not just due to the loss of meaning, but also because people tend to read much more into what people say than what they really mean to say. And that is where I believe communication becomes too ocmplex for our own good.
Anyway nice post!
Wei Chung here by the way. Haha
Thanks, Hannah, for the detailed post. You bring up some good points, a few of which we have talked abiut in class.
Still. for this assignment, I'd like to have seen more attention given to your own com skill needs. (Or do you take those too much for granted?)
p.s. I really like the cartoon. Appropriate for the next study topic!
Hey Hannah!
I found myself nodding my head in agreement when you said that “(you) will probably never spend time and ponder on the importance of communication because it is so ingrained in our lives”. It’s one of those things you don’t really think too deeply about when you actually do it, yet its influence can be pretty profound. Even when it comes down to the smallest things, like looking away for a second when your friend is talking to you. In the case of a foodie like yourself, the manner in which you eat and look at a certain dish of food can speak volumes about how much you really want it.
I really like the cartoon too! More, more!
Ben
Dear Hannah
As Iv already mentioned to you, while reading your post before you uploaded it, you've produced a good piece of work..it brings out your perspective well. I totally agree with you when you say that it would not occur to us to ponder the importance of communication since it is part and parce of our day to day lives.
Good luck with the future blogging..:)
Hi! Thanks for the comments :)
I think your writing is well-organised and smooth. The picture you posted is very interesting.
Probably you might want to post it in the middle of your writing to hold on to the readers’ attention! The plate of rice is too cute to be eaten!
Gwen
hey! i really do like the way you write by the way :). anyway just wanna say that i really do agree on your stand on effective communication skills and how it is so integral in our lives. when i was reading your post, it suddenly made me realize how blessed i am to be able to speak/hear. Looking forward to your next post! :)
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