In today’s world, there is a dire need to not just
communicate, but to do so effectively. Effective communication makes the
difference between talking and speaking; between being heard and being listened
to. An essential part of the success of any idea depends on how well it is put forth
to the world. As relationships both professional and personal are being formed over
boundaries and across cultures, effective communication today also expands to both
linguistic and paralinguistic aspects.
As a student, my need to communicate well is highly
important. This is especially true in the event of a group project or seminar.
In such a situation, it is important that I am putting my ideas forth in an
interesting as well as an understandable manner. Effort has to be taken to make
sure that my thoughts and ideas are clearly understood by my fellow student. It
is just as important to listen to others’ opinions too. The need is further
hardened by the fact that my educational environment is a multi-cultural one.
Differences in tones of speech, different meanings for gestures and such variances
in the methods of communication enforces the need to communicate effectively.
This implies taking into account the need listen actively as well as speak
clearly.
Stepping back from the ‘classroom’ picture, good
communication skills are also important for a good career. They are essential
not only to get ideas across, but also to learn new ones; and life is nought if
there is no learning. Hence, effective communication skills are a necessary tools
for me, both now as a student and further on as an employee or employer. They
help to achieve stronger bonds that in turn, help making life, professional and
personal, simpler and easier.
