Communication skills development comprises more than oral and written communicative skills

 Most professions need excellent communication skills, such as listening, interpersonal, written and oral, to succeed.  These communication skills are required to facilitate understanding and ability to accomplish their responsibilities effectively.  Development of effective communication skills is an important part of potential advancement.  Advanced communication skills are required in every aspect to effectively communicate. 

Many see communication skills in the context of relevance for job training or training in "life" skills.  Communication skills development comprises more than oral and written communicative skills.  Education should bring about:

• an informed perspective as to the role and status of a young person in an adult society and the world of work;
• a basis from which the young person can make an informed and realistic decision;
• a continuing development of physical and manipulative skills;
• an ability to develop satisfactory personal relationships with others;
• a basis on which the young person acquires a set of moral values;
• a level of achievement in literacy and numeracy appropriate to ability and adequate to meet the basic demands of contemporary society;
• competence in a variety of study skills;
• a capacity to approach various kinds of problems methodically and effectively, and to plan and evaluate courses of action;
• sufficient political and economic literacy to understand the social environment and participate in it;
• an appreciation of the physical and technological environments;
• a development of the everyday coping skills;
• a flexibility of attitude and willingness to learn

“Communication Contract” For A Productive Communication System

byLoss, J. (2000)

(“The communications contract”, The Internal Auditor, Vol. 57 No. 6, p. 88)

Steps	Communication Contract	Recommendations
1	Information to be conveyed timely	Open communication lines ·         need to be open so information will flow effectively ·         able to receive immediate feedback ·         will minimize the potential of ill feelings
2	Carefully listen before responding	Utilizing positive statements ·         Defensiveness needs to be avoided ·         Avoid accusatory statements, when communicating ·         utilizing questions to clarify messages being exchanged
3	Adopt nonbiased attitude	Developing appropriate environment
4	Agree to address concerns	Explaining the rationale

People must honestly evaluate themselves and try to identify possible weaknesses and turning them to strengths.  A few good tips:

• go beyond your job description
• add value to the company
• be careful when responding
• become team players
• practice “active listening”
• be attentive
• allow people to finish their thoughts without interrupting
• ask question for clarification
• maintain an open attitude
• avoid pre-judging
• must not tune out
• have a sense of humor
• maintain a positive tone
• include the appropriate courtesy
• be enthusiastic and upbeat
• be persuasive, clear and reasonable

 

REFERENCES:

Gene Smith, Communication skills are critical for internal auditors; Managerial Auditing Journal Vol. 20 No. 5, 2005 pp. 513-519

Philip Hills, TEACHING COMMUNICATION SKILLS; E+T September/October 1988