what effective communication skills mean to me
This is a piece I wrote for my Professional Communication module, about what effective communication skills mean to me. It may be a little long, but it has been written in the most heartfelt way.What is communication to you?
Every one of us is constantly acquiring new communication skills through daily interactions with other people and the environment. But the most crucial part, in my opinion, is how effectively we are able to integrate these skills into the process of building solid social networks and personal relationships.
Effective communiction is not only about expressing our feelings or conveying our own messages across to the other party. Communication is never a one-sided event, because we also need to listen to what the other party has to say.
Sensitivity and socio-cultural awareness are two major communication tools I take with me whenever I go out and meet people. How we respond to a specific individual’s actions or views, is not the same as that of another individual. Every individual possesses a unique character, a different cultural/ religious /social background, or even a taste for music. Hence, there is no fixed manual or whatsoever to follow when it comes to communicating with people. Being able to detect any underlying emotions or meanings in the conversation apart from the general understanding of the issue discussed, is how i define sensitivity. At the same time, knowing how to respond in relation to that specific individual’s background – social, cultural or religious – is what soci0-cultural awareness is about, in my own opinion. I feel that both tools help both parties to have a mutual understanding and a true appreciation for each other.
Being a product of an interracial marriage, cultural sensitivity has always been a constant in my life. It has helped to iron out the differences my parents occasionally have (even though it was tough at some times). It has given me opportunities to build relationships with wonderful people all around the world. And it has certainly widened my perspective of the world and the people around me, instead of confining myself (and my mind) to this tiny island I have been living on.
I did have a few unpleasant experiences which involved a lack of cultural sensitivity from the other party. This lack of sensitivity, I believe, was out of ignorance. But nevertheless, it had resulted in a fair amount of hurt and an unwillingess to communicate thereafter. Therefore, I am clearly aware of the importance of how sensitivity and awareness can prevent such negative outcomes to occur within a social interaction. Sometimes we may subconsciously hurt someone with what we say if we do not put some effort in thinking through beforehand.
