Soft Skills: Communication

Communication is the systematic transfer of information. Most often, this process involves the use of linguistics and semantics, using verbal and nonverbal messages to convey meaning. It uses gestures, facial expressions, and other forms of communication to express thoughts, feelings, and opinions (Wohleb et al., 2015). Communication is the cornerstone of relationships and is essential for developing trust and understanding. Building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and cooperating with others would not be accessible without effective communication.

Communication skills are essential for achieving success in any field of life. Communicating is essential for success in the workplace, in personal relationships, or in any other life area (Wohleb et al., 2015). Good communication skills enable people to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly and concisely, enabling them to apprehend each other better and join hands toward a common goal. Communication skills also involve the ability to listen, assess, and respond to the needs of others in a respectful and meaningful way. With good communication skills, people can build relationships, work together more effectively, and achieve their goals.

The brain plays a crucial role in communication as it interprets, analyzes, and responds to communication signals. It processes verbal and nonverbal cues and connects words, concepts, and experiences to determine what to mean. The brain also coordinates the body’s response to communication, utilizing facial expressions, gestures, and another body language to ensure the message is communicated accurately. Additionally, the brain produces speech and other forms of verbal communication. Lastly, the brain helps to regulate emotions, which can influence the tone of communication. When we communicate, the brain constantly processes information to make sense of a message (Bücker et al., 2014). It considers several factors, like the words and tone of voice. It interprets this information to determine the intended message and the best response. It is also in charge of producing speech and verbal communication, which requires the coordination of multiple parts of the brain, including the motor cortex, the language-processing area, the auditory cortex, and the visual cortex. The brain is also responsible for regulating emotions during communication (Bücker et al., 2014). It monitors our feelings and reactions to ensure that our emotional state does not interfere with our communication ability. If we feel overly emotional, the brain can help us manage our emotions to communicate calmly and respectfully.

In addition, emotional intelligence is vital to success in any workplace, but it is especially important in companies that value diversity and inclusion. Emotional intelligence is defined as the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions, as well as to understand the emotions of others (Bücker et al., 2014). It can be incredibly useful in a workplace where employees regularly interact with each other. Companies that value diversity and inclusion should be committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels safe and valued, which includes providing resources for understanding emotional intelligence.

Cultural intelligence (C.Q.) is recognizing, understanding, and making sense of cultural differences. It involves using knowledge about a person or culture to develop rapport and understand their needs. Cultural intelligence is essential for effective communication in today’s increasingly globalized world (Krystallidou et al., 2021). It helps us to recognize and respect cultural differences and to be more aware of the impact our words and actions may have on people from different cultural backgrounds. Additionally, cultural intelligence enables us to understand better why people from different cultures behave the way they do and better comprehend the various cultural nuances that can be found in different societies.

Social intelligence also exists, which is the capability to comprehend, interpret, and respond to the behavior and emotions of those around us. It involves being competent in reading social cues and recognizing the feelings of others. It also involves empathizing with others, taking their perspective, and adjusting one’s behavior accordingly (Goleman & Boyatzis, 2008). Social intelligence is crucial because it allows us to better understand and interact with those around us respectfully and beneficially for both parties. It can also help us to create stronger relationships and foster effective communication. Social intelligence is a valuable tool for personal and professional success. The biology of leadership in communication is fundamental as it involves understanding how to lead conversations, build relationships, and foster an environment of collaboration and mutual respect.

Speaking, so people want to listen is an important skill to have in order to communicate effectively with others. Therefore, it is essential to be clear and concise in words, use body language to show that one is listening and engaged in the conversation, show genuine interest in the conversation, show respect for the other person and their opinions, and be confident in words (Goleman & Boyatzis, 2008). By following these tips, one can become a better communicator and learn how to speak, so people want to listen. Listening is just as essential as speaking, and showing that one is listening and engaged in the conversation will help make the other person more comfortable and willing to listen to what one has to say. Being respectful and open to different opinions will also help create a space where people are willing to listen. Lastly, being sure of words and confidently expressing oneself will make people more likely to listen. By following these tips, one can become a better communicator and learn how to speak, so people want to listen.

However, there is good communication that blocks learning. It occurs when a person or group is focused on communicating in a way that does not promote knowledge development. It can involve talking too much without allowing others to share their ideas, repeating the same information over and over, or providing too much detail that is not pertinent to the discussion (Treasure, 2013). This type of communication harms the learning process by preventing meaningful conversations. When someone talks too much and does not allow others to contribute their ideas and thoughts, it cannot be easy to understand the material accurately.

Furthermore, repeating the same information can take time to absorb new information, leading to boredom and confusion. In addition, providing too much detail can be overwhelming and lead to confusion and frustration (Krystallidou et al., 2021). When someone provides less information, it can be easier to remember and focus on the most critical aspects of the discussion. It can lead to a lack of focus and understanding of the material. For effective learning to take place, communication must be clear and concise. Everyone should have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and opinions, and the discussion should focus on the main point. It is also important to provide only relevant information and to keep the conversation organized. If this type of communication is supported, learning can be improved, and progress can be slowed or stopped.

Noise can be a major disruptor in the workplace and can have a significant impact on work productivity. Background Noise is any external sound that can distract from conversations or meetings. It can include traffic noise, air conditioning, music, or even people talking in other rooms. Interference Noise occurs when there is an interruption in communication due to a technical issue such as static or poor reception (Krystallidou et al., 2021). Semantic Noise is caused by misinterpretation of words or misunderstanding of the message. Lastly, Psychological Noise is caused by the emotions or mental states of the participants. It can include anything from anxiety to lack of attention and can interfere with communication. These four types of Noise can disrupt workplace communication and make it difficult to exchange information effectively.

However, there are filters and barriers to communication. They refer to the obstacles that can interfere with the transmission and reception of a message. These filters and barriers can range from physical, technological, and psychological elements. Physical filters and barriers can include noise pollution to geographical distance (Goleman & Boyatzis, 2008). Technological filters and barriers can include poor reception or static, while Psychological filters and barriers can include emotional issues or language, culture, and attitude differences. These filters and barriers can prevent effective communication and lead to misunderstandings.

There are several ways to ensure there is a good conversation. A good conversation requires understanding and respect for the other person (Santalova et al., 2019). Here are ten ways to have a better conversation:

1. Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking yes or no questions, ask questions that invite the other person to share their thoughts and feelings.
2. Listen actively: Pay attention to the other person’s words and body language and respond accordingly.
3. Avoid making assumptions: Do not jump to conclusions or make assumptions based on limited information.
4. Respect boundaries: Respect the other person’s boundaries and do not push the conversation too far.
5. Give compliments: Compliment the other person’s ideas and opinions and be encouraging. 6. Avoid judgment: Do not judge the other person or their ideas.
6. Be patient: Allow the other person time to process their thoughts and feelings before responding.
7. Stay on topic: Focus on the conversation and do not let it wander off-topic.
8. Expressing oneself: Share personal thoughts and feelings, and do not be afraid to disagree.
9. Stay positive: Keep the conversation positive and be mindful of the other person’s feelings. By following these ten tips, one can have more meaningful conversations and create stronger relationships.

Communication is a key skill in the workplace, but it is also essential to the personal life of any human being. How we communicate reveals our values, perceptions, and beliefs. The journal has reflected on personal communication skills through writing, how one can improve their communication skills, and how they impact one positively.

Reference List

Bücker, J.J., Furrer, O., Poutsma, E. and Buyens, D., 2014. The impact of cultural intelligence on communication effectiveness, job satisfaction, and anxiety for Chinese host country managers working for foreign multinationals. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25(14), pp.2068-2087. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2013.870293

Goleman, D. and Boyatzis, R., 2008. Social intelligence and the biology of leadership. Harvard business review, 86(9), pp.74-81.

Krystallidou, D., Langewitz, W. & van den Muijsenbergh, M. (2021). Multilingual healthcare communication: Stumbling blocks, solutions, recommendations. Patient education and counseling, 104(3), 512–516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2020.09.015

Santalova, M.S., Lesnikova, E.P., Nechaeva, S.N., Borshcheva, A.V. and Charykova, O.G., 2019. Information hindrances and communication barriers in project interactions. In The Future of the Global Financial System: Downfall or Harmony 6 (pp. 273-281). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00102-5_29

Treasure, J., 2013, February. How to speak so that people want to listen. In Ted talk-an official T.E.D. conference, Scotland.

Wohleb, E.S., McKim, D.B., Sheridan, J.F. and Godbout, J.P.J.P., (2015). Monocyte trafficking to the brain with stress and inflammation: a novel axis of immune-to-brain communication that influences mood and behavior. Frontiers in neuroscience, 8, p.447. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2014.00447