Communication for Development

Effective Oral Communication and soft skills

It occurs through words the spoken words. In oral communication, the two parties to communication, the sender and the receiver, exchange their views through speech, either in face to face communication between individual and individual, or between an individual and the group, or any mechanicals or electrical device.

Advantages of oral communication

  1. Immediate feedback-the biggest advantage of oral communication is that it provides immediate feedback to both the sender and the receiver.
  2. Time saving- oral communication is very fast. It saves the time involved in writing the message.
  3. Economical – oral communication save the money spent on stationery in any organization
  4. Personal touch-oral communication build upon healthy climate in the organization by bringing superiors and subordinates.
  5. Flexibility- oral communication provides an opportunity to the speaker to correct himself and make himself clear by changing his voice, pitch, tone, etc
  6. Secrecy – oral message can be more easily kept confidential than written messages.
  7. Group communication- oral communication is extremely useful for communicating with groups in meetings, conferences, etc

Limitations of oral communication

  1. Poor retention-the listner cannot retain oral message in his memory for a long period of time . The speaker himself may not recall what he actually said.
  2. No record- oral communication provides no record for future reference.
  3. Time consuming-oral communication may not always time saving.
  4. Misunderstanding – oral communication are likely to be misunderstood due to poor vocal expression and noise.
  5. Lengthy messages- it is not suitable for lengthy messages.
  6. Lack of responsibility-oral message are not recorded. Therefore, it becomes difficult to hold persons responsible for mistakes, inaccuracy.

Make oral communication effective

  1. Clarity
  2. Brevity
  3. Right words
  4. Understand the listener
  5. Natural voice
  6. Logical sequence

Communication skills: Soft skills;

Communication skills:
The ability to communicate is the primary factor that distinguishes human beings from animals. And it is the ability to communicate well that distinguishes one individual
from another.

Definitions of communication skills:
Communication skills includes lip reading, finger-spelling, sign language; for interpersonal skills use, interpersonal relations.
Communication skills are the ability to use language (receptive) and express (expressive) information.
Communication skills are the set of skills that enables a person to convey information so that it is received and understood. Communication skills refer to the repertoire of behaviors that serve to convey information for the individual.

Soft skills:

  • Soft skill is the ability required and expected from persons for finding a suitable job, its maintenance and promotion.
  • In fact, soft skills training are at the very base of self management.
  • The soft skills are the essential skills required to make an individual and adopt self-manager. Someone who can manage the self, and other selves in order to be able to perform above expectations, or at least at par; but definitely not below.

Importance of soft skill:

Soft skills are very important

  • To handle interpersonal relations
  • To take appropriate decisions
  • To communicate effectively
  • To have good impression and impact to gain professional development

Communication skill as soft skill:

  • Communication skills form the corner stone of soft skill
  • Every human being has to essentially & effectively communicate with others
  • Effective communication is the  hallmark of one’s education
  • The ability to speak fluently using the right word in the right order is an good communication
  • Message using appropriate vocabulary and syntax form effective communication

The following are the varied soft skill:

  • Courtesy
  • Honesty and reliability; Personal integrity
  • Verbal Communication Skills
  • Flexibility – Adaptability
  • Team skills – Cooperation; Ability to follow regulations; Willingness to be accountable;
  • Ability to relate to coworkers in a close environment
  • Non verbal communication
  • Leadership skills – Self-directed, ability to direct and guide others, Self-supervising;
  • Ability to relate to coworkers in a close environment;
  • Positive attitude; Positive work ethic
  • Written Communication Skills – Basic spelling and grammar; Reading and comprehension
  • Personal hygiene and energy
  • Interpersonal skills – Communication skills with public, fellow employees, supervisors, and customers
  • Motivation – Willingness to learn; Caring about seeing the company succeed;
  • Understanding what the world is all about; Commitment to continued training and learning;
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Grooming – good personal appearance