It has just been a week since we started classes for ES2007S
and I already feel that the lessons have enabled me to broaden my perspective
on what effective communication is all about.
Having had some exposure and experience in theatre, hosting and public
speaking, I would admit that I had almost taken for granted that I would be
naturally proficient in the art of effective communication. But now having gone
through the basics of communication with Dr Jaidev, I have come to understand
and realise that effective communication is a multi-faceted domain, requiring
continual study and practice on the part of anyone who wants to master this
art. Being amongst the youngest in
class, I have also much to learn from the experiences of all my peers at the
workplace or on various projects they have engaged in.
In this first blog post, I wish to highlight some of the
skills that I wish to refine and master by the end of this module so I can begin
to communicate effectively. This list would not be exhaustive of course, as I
have yet to delve deeper into this subject in the course of this module.
1. Communicating with
seniors from Gen-X and the Baby Boomers category as well as with people from
different cultures and backgrounds.
Effective communication with various groups of people will
not only enable me to learn from them, but also create a more conducive and
productive working environment. Style-typing and Style-flexing would certainly
be skills I would like to master.
2. Communicate
effectively through writing
I have a tendency to be slightly long-winded in my writing
(hahaha as you might have noticed in this blog post). I wish to work on being more
precise and concise when communicating through this channel.
3. Listening actively
and questioning effectively
Active listening might be a skill that I would have to put in
the most effort to master. I do admit to giving in to some of the incorrect
practices while listening such as thinking of an answer while the person I am
communicating with is still speaking. Questioning effectively would also be an
important skill that would help me obtain the essential information required.
To end off my first blog post, here are a couple of comic strips on
effective communication!
