4 Major Types of Communication Skills
Communication is simply the passing of messages from one person to another through different mediums. Good communication is when people state what they want in a clear manner without sabotaging the meaning.
Communication skills are simply the way in which the message is conveyed. Having stated that here are 4 major types of communication skills one should have:
1. Interpersonal Communication Skills
Interpersonal communication is the process by which people exchange information, feelings and meaning through verbal and non -verbal messages. It's not just about what is said, it's also about the language used, how it's said and the non -verbal messages sent through tone of voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body.
While one person is talking and the other listening, they are also sending feedback in the form of smiles, head nodes, e.t.c. The use of complicated jargons, inappropriate body language, inattention, disinterest and cultural differences can be considered as ‘noise’ in the context of interpersonal communication.
The receiver may respond to unintentional messages too. Types of feedback range from direct statements to subtle facial expressions or changes in posture. Interpersonal communication is not just affected by the context in the form of where the conversation took place but also factors like situational context, the social context, the roles, responsibilities, relative status of the participants, the emotional climate and the participants expectations of the interaction will also affect the communication.
2. Presentation Skills
Presenting information clearly and effectively is a key skill to get your message or opinion across. Prepare well In order to make a successful presentation. Irrespective of whether the presentation is formal or informal, you should always aim to give a clear, well-structured delivery. Know exactly what you want to say and the order of saying it.
Develop your ideas and select the main points to include. Facilities and your preferences determine your method of presentation. Present yourself according to the audience's expectations to avoid spending quite a large chunk of your presentation dealing with the differences between expectations and reality.
3. Writing Skills
They are an important part of communication. Good writing skills allow you to communicate your message with clarity and ease .Grammar, punctuation, and spellings are key in written communication. The reader will form an opinion of you, the author, based on both the content, presentation and errors.
Your audience and the medium in which you plan to publish it should be put into consideration. This knowledge will help you decide whether you need to write in a formal style or an informal one. They will also help you to decide on a suitable structure.
4. Personal Skills
Personal skills are those concerned with how people manage and express themselves. They have revealed in those attitudes and behaviors people bring to their work, study and daily activities. You should be able to adapt easily to new challenges,show the ability to make decisions about what is wanted and determine when it is achieved.
Demonstrate the ability to take an initiative in a situation and perform tasks effectively with minimum help or approval or without direct supervision. Be reliable, dependable in fulfilling duties. Remain calm and self-controlled under stressful situations.
Communication skills help us to send and receive messages effectively. We are able to confidently initiate and maintain conversations with people without offending them. Communication skills are essential in your day to day life.
