What is communication?

The interchange of thought or information between two or more persons to bring about mutual understanding. This could be through exchange of idea, thoughts, feelings and emotions. Communication can be in verbal form or non-verbal form. Communication is basically a science but essentially an art. Let us understand the art and science of communication in this article.

What are Communication skills?

The ability that equips an individual to give and receive different types of information to others, in a manner that makes them understand the information, is called communication skill. Though all human beings communicate with one another but every one doesn’t have the ability to impress and influence others with their communication. The person who is able to do so, is said to possess effective Communication skills. Communication skills involve listening, speaking, observing, analysing, being friendly, being open-minded, showing respect and empathising with others.

How to improve communication skills?

We all want to be a good communicator, don’t we? But this seems to be a very challenging task. This is so because we all feel that good communicator is the one who has strong command over English. Although I would not completely disagree with this notion but at the same time I don’t completely agree, too. This is so because your command over communication skills is not based on your command over language or its grammar, rather it is more dependent upon your self-confidence and will. ‘Will is always greater than skill’. If you have a strong will, deep-down, pulsating motivation to achieve a skill, then no one in this word can stop you to acquire that skill. The first and foremost need for anyone who wants to improve his/her communication skills is to create a strong character that has:

1. Honesty with wisdom – which means, ‘Speak truth, speak in a pleasant manner, do not speak a truth, which is not pleasant, and do not also speak which is pleasant to hear but is not truth’ (based on a Sanskrit Shloka, in Manu Smriti)
2. Integrity that is visible – which means, ‘walk your talk’. A few will believe what you say, but all will believe what you do. If your speech and actions are in coherence, then people trust you and your words.
3. Discipline that is evident – which means, ‘do what is required and do it on time’. If your work is completed on time with as much precision and perfection required from it, then people will be there to support you when you need them to get your work done from them.

How to develop effective communication skills?

You are considered an impressive and influential communicator, if your communication is effective. Now the question arises, what is effective communication? Are there some additional skills required to be an effective communicator? The answer to first question is, when the receiver of your communication receives, understands and interprets the message in the same manner as you expect him/her to do, is known as effective communication. The answer to second question is, apart from the three skills mentioned above, i.e. honesty, integrity and discipline, an effective communicator also requires:

1. a strong command over his/her non-verbal communication
2. must have an ability to manage stress
3. most important is the ability to manage emotions which in other words is called, emotional intelligence.

An individual who is able to develop all these 6 skills can surely become and effective communicator.

What is the importance of communication skills?

What are the different types of communication Skills?

If we take in general there are two types of communication skills, Verbal and non-verbal communication skills. But, in practice there is a complete range of skills and etiquette that form a variety of skills that an individual must possess, in order to be a successful individual. But in this Blog, we will broadly cover the essential aspects of these two forms of communication. The first and foremost is:

1. Verbal communication skills – Verbal communication deals with the scientific aspect of communication. In technical terms it deals with speaking, listening and writing but in actual practice there is a lot more to it than just about command over language. The way of writing and speaking, the tone used, the words chosen, the expression of words, the pitch, volume and speed of speech. The undertone of written words, the grammatical aspects, the clarity and brevity of writing. All these are considered an important aspect in developing strong command over verbal communication. In order to be a proficient writer and speaker, one needs to develop a knack for strong and rich vocabulary building and a lot of practice in domain of public speaking. Refer my video on ‘How to develop effective communication skills’ at the following you tube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6DmJmYD-KE&feature=youtu.be
2. Non-Verbal communication skills – Non-verbal communication deals with the art aspect of communication. Non-verbal communication plays a very-very crucial role in enhancing your spoken communication. The major role of non-verbal is to improve and increase the impact of verbal communication. It includes para linguistics aspects such as implications of body language of the speaker, attitude expressed by the gait, posture, facial expressions of the speaker, the meaning conveyed by the colour, style, brand and texture of the apparel worn by the speaker as well as his/her accessories. How much and which type of eye-contact is the speaker able to establish with the audience? The time management skills during the session, the ability to involve, interact, motivate, persuade and entertain the audience. The ability of a speaker to leave a lasting impression in the minds of people with whom they interact, largely depends upon the non-verbal communication skills. Developing non-verbal communication skills requires a lot of time, patience, practice and persistence. But its not a rocket science, it can be learned by anyone at any point of time in life. Remember, ‘what you say is important but how you say is more important’. People listen to your words but the understand your expression and tone.

What is Ancient Indian Wisdom on communication Skills?

Majority of aspects discussed in terms of communication and communication skills have been developed and discussed from western viewpoint. Whether it is about the concept or content, majority of literature has been designed, keeping in mind the requirements of western culture. But recently there has been a growing need and importance of understanding communication and how strong communication skills can be developed keeping in mind the teachings of Indian Vedas, Upanishads and other sacred Indian scriptures. 

The concept of honesty, integrity and discipline discussed above, is actually a concept contributed by the Indian scriptures such a Gayatri Upanishad, Manu smriti and many more such Sanskrit verses that clearly indicate that the one who develops these three basic skills in him/her, shall definitely win the heart of others. In order to be an effective communicator, an individual must have a strong coordination between what the speech says and what the mind thinks. 

Therefore, it is very important that mind and speech, be two different entities but work as a pair and are in unison. You must never forget that it is important to have good vocabulary and grammar, to be an effective communicator but even if these two are mediocre, and the person has authenticity and integrity, he/she can be accepted as an effective communicator. Making tall claims and talking big about yourself and your achievements won’t get you audience. Trust can be won by being true to yourself and to your audience.

Krishna’s historic preaching to Arjuna during the war, is a perfect example of effective and influential speaking skills on part of Lord Krishna(as speaker) and effective listening on part of Arjuna(as listener)

In the end I would like to mention that the most important aspect of developing effective communication skills is to know what to speak/write, when to speak/write and how to speak/write. By this I don’t mean the literal sense but the basic and common sense called wisdom of mind. One must understand the difference between, ‘What is need to be Known’ and ‘What is nice to know’. What may seem pleasant to know but is not a truth, should not be told. At the same time a bitter truth should also be handled cautiously and should be avoided, to be told as far as possible. ‘Saying too much or not saying anything at all’ can be detrimental for your personal as well as professional relationships. You should always prepare yourself thoroughly before attending any public meeting.

This is the essence of being an effective communicator.

Watch out for more content related to non-verbal aspects of communication skills in my next blog.