Page 43 - Effective Communication Soft Skills Strategies For Success by Nitin Bhatnagar, Mamta Bhatnagar

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Understanding Communication | 31

and benefit from immediate feedback. Even though oral communication
is the preferred medium, there are times when written communication is
more appropriate and effective—when the information you are conveying
is very complex, when a permanent record is needed for future reference,
when the audience is large and geographically dispersed, and when immedi-
ate interaction with the audience is either unimportant or undesirable. The
most common types of written communication are letters, memos, reports,
and proposals.
Over the past few decades, technological advances have led to the devel-
opment of electronic communication. Teleconferencing, e-mail, and com-
puter networks have revolutionized both oral and written communication
and have become vital elements in achieving organizational goals. However,
it is worth noting that, each form of communication also has its limitations.
Protocols must be followed, and individuals must learn when it is appropri-
ate to use each form.

Listening and Reading
Listening and reading are as important as speaking and writing. People
spend more time receiving information than transmitting it. Most of us are
not very good listeners. Immediately after hearing a ten-minute speech, we
typically remember only half of what was said. A few days later, we have for-
gotten three-quarters of the message. Even worse, we often miss the subtle,
underlying meaning entirely. To some extent, our listening problems stem
from our education, or lack of it. We spend years learning to express our
ideas, but few of us ever think of giving importance to the concept of listen-
ing. Nevertheless, developing better listening abilities is crucial for anyone
in general. Reading again, is a skill in itself. One is required to read and com-
prehend quite a number of times during one’s student or professional life.
Reading with improper articulation and understanding may lead to errone-
ous interpretations, which, in turn, may result in further complications.

FACTORS INFLUENCING COMMUNICATION

A common experience between two or more people is essential for an
effective communication. Several factors, which influence the process of
communication, are outlined below and these are to be viewed carefully in
view of intrinsic contradictions:

1. Age factor (we are young or old): A teacher’s method of teaching a
4th standard student is entirely different to that of a 10th standard
student. Like the age of the student, the age of teacher also matters

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