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WHY COMMUNICATION SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT
Marian Baltazar
Class of 1980, University of the Philippines College of Manila
AB Political Science
Many individuals continue to struggle because of their inability to communicate effectively with others and this
is the sole reason why communication skills are important. Since we live in a very diverse world, it is relatively
important for us to ...know about appropriate and helpful interpersonal skills. We need to convey our thoughts
and ideas to people around us, at home, at work or in any place that we set our foot on. We need to establish
rapport with them and in order to do so; we need to have communication skills. Definitely, a person has to
express whatever he thinks or feels in a concise manner but whether we like it or not, an individual can only
master the ability to express oneself when we are bent on doing so or if we put our heart on it.
As the saying goes, “Practice makes perfect”, then we should bear in mind that great communication skills take
practice. Yes, our ability to express ourselves doesn’t just come in a year ’s time or so. It will come and grow
almost daily as long as you apply yourself in improving communication skills. In whatever profession or field
that we are in at the moment, we benefit a lot if we communicate well. Let us take for instance those who are
in the medical profession, specifically the doctors. They can make a mistake in conveying an idea to his peers or
if they give out bad or wrong signals non-verbally or communicate lack of confidence to the patients, then all
those treatments and medicines would be trivial.
Most often than not, we take the most important things in our life for granted. Then we gradually realize its
importance, only to find out that it is too late. The worst thing of all is when we come into the realization that
the connection cease to exist. This was made possible just because of a communication gap that you were not
able to iron out right away. Then, it can sometimes lead to a break up or divorce, or simply just an
uncomfortable relationship. This experience will make you cognizant of the fact that the most important thing
in life is your relationship. Yes, good communication skills in relationships are important, simply because if you
do not have anyone to share your happiness with, even if you have lots of money, it will be inconsequential. It
also helps the relationship to develop along good lines thereby avoiding arguments and insults.
The importance of communication skills cannot be underestimated because it is necessary in all walks of life.
Lack of this would mean a negative impact on the personal as well as the professional life of a person. It is
equally important too in the business sector, especially when we look at job advertisements. Chances are in all
the jobs posted, the requirements for the candidates that they are looking for should have good
communication skills. Without effective communication skills, a person will also find it hard to climb the
corporate ladder. That is, promotions will only be made available to those who can communicate effectively at
all levels. Given all these implicit importance in good communication skills in both the personal and corporate
aspects, one cannot miss the fact that if anyone wants to make progress in their life, it is very important to
develop this skill.
Questions for discussion:
1. Do you think that having communication skills will make a difference in your life? Explain your answer.
2. Can you say that progress is tantamount to having communication skills? Justify your answer.
3. Can communication skills serve as an edge to you? How?
4. Can you maintain a good relationship if you have good communication skills? How would you do it?
5. Are you willing to do anything to be adept in acquiring a good communication skill? How will you prove it?