Communication is the fundamental basis of interaction between people. Moreover, it is considered as a complex process. It involves messages to be transmitted between two parties in order to comprehend each others’ thoughts and feelings. As the message is being encoded or decoded, the true meaning of the messages is often lost. The message received may be different from the intended meaning that the speaker is trying to bring across.
Developing effective communication skills can reduce misunderstanding between parties. Words can bring different meanings to different people. The different interpretations of the messages or even inattentiveness in listening can then result in wrong information being received. Engaging in active listening allows messages to be transmitted more accurately and clearly, preventing the possible inconvenience that could be resulted.
In addition, words may also have hidden meanings. Generally, people do not actually say what they really mean. They also do not have the habit of explaining when what they said was being misunderstood. To make things worst, he or she will expect you to understand what they really want. Such paradox makes it difficult for one to understand the each other. However, certain physical actions or behaviour done intentionally or unintentionally can reflect our true thoughts and feelings. For example, actions such as yawning are done when we feel tired or bored. Being able to interpret such non-verbal cues allows us to have a better understanding of the ‘hidden’ true message he or she is trying to convey.
On top of that, developing effective communication skills can also resolve conflicts. As mentioned above, communication is not only about talking. Listening is an important role in effective communication as well. In spite of yelling ridiculously at each other in an argument, active listening enables both parties to understand the different perspectives of problem and eventually coming up with the best solution for the conflict.
In conclusion, communication actually leads to better understanding of one another bringing people closer together. With this development of effective communication skills, it will allow close relationship to be formed resulting to widening of social network. With the widening of social network, in a way, it will be a potential source to seek help from.
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3 comments:
Hi Dai Jing, Illya here.
I agree with you on words having hidden meaning. It can be a simple phrase but when the intended speaker has a different motive to its meaning and expect the listener to instantly understand, that's where all the misunderstanding occur.
I also feel that the choice of words are crucial to when it comes to avoiding misunderstanding. However, sometimes when one is raking their brain trying to figure out the right words, the nonverbal cues may give out wrong signals. I like to bite my lips when i'm thinking and some have said that it looks as if i'm lost for words or intimidated.
All in all, I think everyone agrees that effective communication skills can do more good than harm.
Hi DaiJing, it is true that many of us have hidden meanings in what we say. This is when 'reading between the lines' come into place. The tone, the facial expression and the gestures that the speaker have can tell us more about what he/she actually means. It is essential that the receiver is sensitive and observant enough to pick up these non-verbal cues so as to ensure effective transmission of message across. However, it takes the effort of the speaker to be clear when he/she tries to get the message across as well.
I see you have focused on the importance of effective communication in fostering closer relationships and resolving conflict. Good! Is there a mistake in the fourth line of your last paragraph? I believe you mean "Instead of" rather than "Inspite of"?
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