Communication has always been a matter that perplexes me, though it is not because I feel that I am totally inept at communication. I have few problems communicating within my inner circle of friends, but once I step just a little bit beyond this boundary, my communication skills may desert me without any notice. Have you ever had those awkward silences while talking to new acquaintances, or people whom you do not know very well? Have you also felt the jitters while addressing a class, and lost your train of thought as a result? It happens quite frequently to me.
Generally speaking, this is not really a problem for me, as I do not need many friends, but prefer having just a few close ones instead. Furthermore, I would rather stay at home and watch a nice drama serial instead of attending big gatherings and being forced to socialize with people whom I am not close with.
On a pragmatic note, however, this lack of communication or socializing skills will be a major problem when I step out into the workplace. Multiple challenges, such as having to forge close working relationships with others, conveying new ideas to clients and colleagues, and networking to obtain useful contacts abound. Thus, what I hope to primarily achieve in this course is to develop a set of communication skills that can help me on both the macro and micro level – for example, presenting to a group of people, as well as communicating with others on a professional basis.
Better communication skills may also allow me to broaden my social circle, despite my inclinations. At the same time, it may be useful for me to build closer relationships with my friends and family. After all, being the social creature that man is, we have to rely on communication to interact with just about everyone around us. Thus, I feel that it is important to better myself on this fundamental skill by taking this course.
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Hi, Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteIt really happened to me a lot what you said.
For example, when I was walking through the hallway, suddenly I encountered my friend who is not so close. Then he was getting closer, and so many words come to my mind. Say "hello?" Should I say something more? Or just say nothing? Those kinds of thoughts.
Well that is completely my choice that tries to know him more or not. But even you do not need many friends; good communication skill will help you to get on well with your close friends and family as you said. Among the close friends and family we still need to know each other and express what I am thinking well. Close relationship means that the one with people we can share our feelings deep inside of my mind with, doesn't it?
Hi Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteI share the same sentiments, that I don't need that many friends, as long as there are a few close ones whom I can trust. However, we probably won't be able to work with whoever we want all the time, especially when we step into the workforce.
In this sense, effective communication skills will be useful, such that we do not find meeting new acquaintances awkward. I guess this is what most of us would like to learn from this module.
Gwen
Hi Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteHaving read what you have written, I find myself to be in much of the same situation. I do think I communicate effectively with people I know well. However, once I am in a large group of people, I do usually just sit around and listen rather then participate actively in the conversation.
I do agree with Sanghyun that good communication is also required when talking with your close friends and family. Your ability to share your thoughts and feelings in the right manner and also perceptiveness to the feelings of others will certainly lead to a firmer relationship.
Jon
Hi Ron,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you on the same problem of having awkward silences when talking to new acquaintances some times. I guess for me, I make it a point to give it a shot or rather I will make a conscious effort to engage these new acquaintances on some common topics. As those sayings go, "Practice makes perfect" and "You will never know unless you try". So, why not grab the next arising opportunity to try and establish a fulfilling dialogue session with that "someone". Who knows what good it can do to you?
Hey Ronnie,
ReplyDeleteI like the very personal nature of this post. It responds well to the topic and sheds lights on what you have identified as important needs. Thanks for sharing this information with us, even though it might be "private."
You bring up a important issue here as well: how to traverse the boundary between the private self, our stay-at-home persona, and our public self, which is a function of the contemporary need for each of us to be harnessed as social animals specifically for the workplace. That is an issue that is often overlooked.
I'm also glad that you see this course as being potentially beneficial for you.
There are a few minor language issues here I'd like you to review:
1) Not because I feel that I am totally inEpt at communication. >>> sentence fragment (connect to the preceding but add a "though")
2) little problems >>> few problems
3) Or feeling the jitters while addressing a class, and losing your train of thought as a result? >>> ? problem in sentence structure and verb tense
4) to develop a set of communication skills, which >>> to develop a set of communication skills that
I look forward to your next post!