Communication is inevitable in our lives and I believe almost everyone will agree to this. It is the very fundamental human survival skill that even a baby has grasp since birth. We all communicate, but how many of us are communicating effectively? It is the latter that takes a whole new dimension. Firstly, effective communication not only encompasses the ability to accurately exchange messages between the speaker and listener. In my opinion, it includes the capability to influence others and create a comfortable environment for sharing.
Let’s just face it. Effective communication skills are important for me to succeed in life. These are the skills I need to get what I want. For example, I will be doing my internship next year as part of the requirement for my major. Being effective in communication is the stepping stone – an impressive application letter and an outstanding interview are where it all starts. Those are how the first impression of me will be created in the eyes of the prospective employer.
I think that effective communication skills promote better understanding in the social arena. Knowing how and when to speak up can motivate others and avoid many unnecessary conflicts. Citing real life examples put things in perspective. I join several CCAs in my hall of residence, KEVII Hall. Therefore when I lead, communicating effectively helps me to actively engage team members in activities and give clear instructions.
I sometimes experience a fine line between doing someone a favour and rejecting it, especially when the person is my friend. I do hope that the courage to pen it here will spur me to be more assertive when the need arises. Way to go! Finally, I also need to learn how to be precise and concise. So, I shall stop here and not broach the subject further to prove this point. :)
Wooden Paddle from Central Portugal
1 day ago
Stephanie: I like your post in general because there are plenty of examples to help drive a point across. However I think that you should have more obvious topic sentences. For instance your 3rd paragraph was talking about better understanding in the social arena. Then you immediately talked about motivation and avoiding conflicts. Perhaps you can just put understanding, motivation and avoiding conflict together under the umbrella of social interactions. This would also tie in well with your aim to become more precise and concise haha.
ReplyDeleteAnd also, try not to throw everything into one paragraph like the last paragraph. It feels a little messy. I think that a bit more organization would make your post a very good post! My friend taught me a trick regarding organization. Type it as early as possible and then read it again a couple of days later. You might realise some things did not come across as intended and after a short edit, the final product would be much more polished and organized.
Hi there Soon Yee!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks for being the first to post and give quite insightful comments. Reading back, I do agree that the third paragraph does not have a clear topic sentence at the beginning, as any conventional rule of thumb. Haha, it was because I started with an example and the point is the following sentence about being more assertive. Perhaps I did not stress that enough as my main point.
Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Stephani!
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Soon Yee, I do not feel the last paragraph was messy. A little more elaboration, perhaps, would make the reader understand what you mean when you say you "experience a fine line between doing someone a favour and rejecting it". It doesn't mean you're not being precise and concise, the reader has to understand what you're trying to convey after all. And there has to be enough information for that to happen!
See you on Monday :)
Hi stephaine!
ReplyDeleteIt is great to take the same module with you again! :D I do also find that it is hard to rejecting someone when he/she ask of a favour, especially when the person is my good friend. There are times when I feel like I really do not want to do it but because my friend asks me so, I will reluctantly agree. I think one aspect of effective communication is to express your inner most thoughts and feelings. So if you really think that you are not able to help, just boldly say so without hurting the person. This is much easier to say than to actually do it. And I am also learning too!
Ranmali: Yup, you've got a good point. The most important thing is to get the message across correctly.
ReplyDeletevanessa: Thanks for that! I guess you are right when saying that communicating the innermost feelings matters. With this way, perhaps, the person can understand my situation better.
See u all 2mr!
This is a very interesting, well-focused post, Stephanie, one that has generated lots of good feedback, some of that even on opposite sides of the proverbial fence. I like the way you address the assigned topic with specific examples and the way you develop your ideas in general. What might make your overall cohesion stronger (and eliminate some criticism) is if you provide transition words between paragraphs. That sort of structural addition would, in a sense, glue the pieces together so that the coherence is more apparent.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, thank you for your fine effort!