Importance of Communication Skills in the Workplace

This article discusses the significance of communication skills in the workplace and provides tips on how to improve them. It covers the different modes of communication and their impact on one's skills. The article also highlights the skills that managers look for in employees and how to demonstrate them during interviews. Additionally, it includes a personal reflection on the importance of active listening, nonverbal cues, clarity, and respect for others' ideas. The article concludes with references to relevant literature on the topic.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 1
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Student’s Name
Course
Professor
Institution
Date

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 2
Communication Skills
The ability to communicate effectively happens to be the most skill in life. According to
Robles (2012), Communication entails the transfer of information from one place to the other.
This transfer may range from vocal, written, visual or non-verbal (p.453). Vocal communication
is simply using one’s voice while written communication encompasses the use of digital or
printed media such as magazines, emails, books and websites. On the other hand, visual
communication includes the use of maps, logos graphs or charts; while non-verbal
communication entails the use of gestures, body language, voice tone and pitch. The mode of
transmission of information indicates the degree of someone’s communication skills.
Effective communication at workplace with colleagues, superiors and staff is quite
essential regardless on the type of work industry that one operates in. in this digital error,
workers ought to know how to receive and convey information face to face as well as through
email, phone and the social media (Barnlund 2017, p.50). The ability to exhibit good
communication skills will aid in them getting hired for a job after an interview, acquiring a
promotion and help them succeed throughout their career. There is no employer would wish to
have employees who disregard good communication skills as it may be harsh to them and to the
customers.
It follows that there are communication skills that managers would wish to see in all their
employees. During application, it would be advisable that one adopts them in their resume and
cover letter. The same should be highlighted and demonstrated during interviews in order to
make a good first impression. A continued development of good communication skills, even
after being hired, impresses teammates, clients and the boss (Schnurr 2012).

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 3
Personal Reflection
In my study, I was intrigued by the essence of effective communication at the workplace. The
relationship between the employee, the employer and the client turns out to be greatly affected
by the way of information transmission from one to another. Moreover, I learnt quite important
and interesting skills that one requires to adopt so as to exhibit effective communication;
Listening
A good communicator is one who acknowledges good listening. It would be difficult to
comprehend the instructions given to you if at all you are not a good listener. Moreover, no one
would desire holding a conversation with someone who does not take time to listen to the
grievances of others besides his/hers. In order to acquire listening skills, one should consider the
practicing active listening whereby he/she pays attention to another person’s words and shows
concern by asking for further clarification (Brownell 2015). It is only by active listening that one
can understand the grievances of their clients and respond to them appropriately.
Nonverbal Cues
Your eye contact, body language, tone and hand gestures reflect the type of message that
you are passing. An open tone and relaxed posture makes one look approachable thus
encouraging others to openly speak to you (Louhiala-Salminen and Kankaanranta 2011, p.247).
Looking into the eyes of the client signifies focus on him/her and the conversation in process. It
is recommendable to pay attention to other people’s nonverbal cues as you will have the ability
to really understand the feelings they possess. For instance, when a client is not looking you in
the eye, it means that he/she is not comfortable or may be concealing the truth.
Clarity and conclusion

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 4
Good communication encompasses saying enough of what is there to convey. However,
one should avoid saying too little or too much. The message ought to be short and precise
whether on phone, male or face to face communication. Lack of clarity and directness may make
it difficult for your listener to realise what you want. This calls for a prior assessment of what
you want to say to avoid confusing the audience or talking too much.
Career Application of Communication Skills
In order to encourage my co-workers to have an honest and open conversation with me, I
ought to have a friendly tone, smile to them and ask personal questions. Being polite and nice to
them would be quite important. The skills I learnt will help me maintain friendliness to both
written and facial communication. Using statements like ‘I hope you are well’ in the beginning
of a written message will make the recipient feel more esteemed (Beebe and Mottet 2013).
When interacting with others, my confidence will be a reflection of my knowledge of
whatever I will be saying thus giving my co-workers a reason to play along. Using a firm and
friendly tone as well as making an eye contact is a good way to exude confidence. I ought to
dodge the possibility of my statements being perceived to be questions. Moreover, there will be
no need of sounding aggressive or arrogant. I will take my time and listen to what others are
saying, and empathize with them. When entering any conversation, I will always have a flexible
and open mind in relation to what is going to be spoken. In regard to my study, one ought to be
open to listen and understand the ideas of others rather than just passing your views. In fact, my
willingness to hold a dialogue with those whom I disagree with will most likely result to a
productive and more honest conversation.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 5
Having respect for other people and their ideas makes them feel open to communicate
with you. Therefore, making eye contact, using their personal name and active listening to their
views; are simple actions that would make them feel more appreciated (Maguire and Pitceathly
2002, p.697). I will avoid distraction at all cost when speaking on the phone to enable me stay in
context to the conversation. Sending of a sloppy written and confusing email would only show a
lack of respect to my recipient thus the need to counter check my written message before
submission.
It will always be my pleasure to give a feedback after a conversation. In the event that I
become a manager, I will have to give weekly status updates, send emails or make phone calls to
my employees (Certo 2018). Feedback should also include praising the efforts of the employees
to show appreciation in their services. The medium of passing information will depend on its
seriousness or urgency. I will opt for face to face conversation for serious issues rather than a
written message. A thoughtful means of communication is appreciated by many and develops a
desire for them to respond to you positively.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS 6
References
Barnlund, D.C., 2017. A transactional model of communication. In Communication theory (pp.
47-57). Routledge.
Beebe, S.A. and Mottet, T.P., 2013. Business and professional communication: Principles and
skills for leadership. Pearson.
Brownell, J., 2015. Listening: Attitudes, principles, and skills. Routledge.
Certo, S.C., 2018. Supervision: Concepts and skill-building. McGraw-Hill Education.
Louhiala-Salminen, L. and Kankaanranta, A., 2011. Professional communication in a global
business context: The notion of global communicative competence. IEEE Transactions
on professional communication, 54(3), pp.244-262.
Maguire, P. and Pitceathly, C., 2002. Key communication skills and how to acquire
them. Bmj, 325(7366), pp.697-700.
Robles, M.M., 2012. Executive perceptions of the top 10 soft skills needed in today’s
workplace. Business Communication Quarterly, 75(4), pp.453-465.
Schnurr, S., 2012. Exploring professional communication: Language in action. Routledge.