Since time immemorial, communication has been an important tool in the continual survival of species. Communication has served as a traditional means of expressing feelings and as warning signals in a predator-prey food chain. It wasn’t until speech evolved two hundred thousand years ago, that signalled a new revolutionary era in human communication.
In a fast paced world like today, where everyone is judged by their first impressions, it seems that even subtle cues like non verbal body language are being picked up. This is especially so in interview settings, where time is not on the side of the interviewer, to be able to judge on a candidate’s ability or to see through his character and working attitude. Therefore making a good first impression through non verbal communication on the candidate’s side is just as important as how he performs for the interview. Having a good body posture, no over gesticulations, general politeness and self-confidence without bordering on arrogance all constitute to making a good first impression.
Effective communication is also important in maintaining current relationships and making new ones. It takes effort on both sides to compromise for any relationship to work. Often we seek to be understood before being understanding, which is the root of misunderstandings. Whether it is a boss-subordinate, friend-friend, husband-wife or parent-child relationship, it is vital to put oneself in the other party’s shoes. Therefore, I feel that being able to communicate effectively without any barriers would go a long way in maintaining a good relationship. Many a time, we may forget to take into account someone else’s feelings when speaking which may inadvertently harm relationships.
In a professional setting, the manner and tone of a conversation between superior and subordinate reflects their working relationship. Seeking to clarify instructions when in doubt instead of making assumptions can also prevent errors being made. At the same time, being able to understand and empathise with each other would enhance a good working relationship.
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5 comments:
Hello Ho Teck,
I believe you brought up a very important point that is oft-overlooked in communicating with others; that is non-verbal cues. We learned to communicate non-verbally before we learn how to speak. It is something very fundamental in the way we communicate with others. Although, I am also inclined to think that half the time, first impressions turn out to be wrong.
Cheerio!
Mei Ling
Hi Ho Teck,
Yes I agree that first impressions are very important. As people always say, you have only one time to make that first impression. First impressions are also lasting impressions, and people will tend to form an opinion of us even before we speak. Now would be a perfect time to start polishing up our nonverbal communication before we step into the work force.
Seeking to clarify instructions when in doubt instead of making assumptions is definitely the better way to avoid submitting work that is not what your superior wants! This way, we can also avoid a lot of unnecessary misunderstandings and time wasted on redoing the assignments.
Jimmy
ES2007S Group 2
As you imply empathising and being able to 'put yourself in someone else's shoes' is the essence of good communication. It would just be too facile to say that all human conflict could be avoided if the parties involved were skilled communicators but certainly some troubles could be averted.
Teacher- Fiona
Hi Ho Teck,
I agree that seeking clarification is one of the important effective communication skills in workplace communication context. It is only right to clarify instructions when in doubt. Many a time, people think that clarifying acts may be seem as their incapability. To save themselves from such embarrasssment, they choose to stick to their very own assumptions which end up causing more embarrassment when things turn up to be completely different. At the end, one could see clarification as a mean of showing his/her interest in the matter concerned.
Hi Mei Ling,
No doubt, I agree with you that first impressions turn out to be wrong half the time. One can only see another's "true colours" after sometime and first impression may not be reliable. However, often a good first impression is what's needed when there's only a limited time allowed to assess a person.
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