One of the most important skills in life is the ability to communicate. However, not everyone can communicate the same or has the ability to communicate the same. There are plenty of different ways to communicate, and new methods are being created every day. Have you ever had a conversation only using pictures or emojis? How about a video conference? 2020-2021 has demonstrated that communication never stops, and is impossible to halt. It is important to note that communication skills can be learned, improved, observed, as well as altered or applied, to be more effective given the situation. Becoming a competent communicator can be a lifelong journey. Regardless, how one communicates or is comfortable communicating will remain unknown unless it is communicated!
The field of communications focuses on how people use messages to generate meanings across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. Oral and written communication skills, leadership, and professionalism and work ethic competencies, are the main areas where students and employers most radically differ. Communication skills take on a new level of importance in Zoom meetings, distance-learning and social distancing. During face-to-face communication, a speaker has the opportunity to modify their message to the audience. On the other hand, written communication cannot be adjusted during delivery to audience feedback. Additionally, written communication requires correct grammar, punctuation, and structure. Communication competency is the articulation of thoughts and expressing ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, non-verbal communication skills, and listening skills. These skills are used in unison to deliver information in person, in writing and in a digital world. It is important to reflect on one’s performance and ask questions. What communication styles are you most comfortable using? What would you like others to know about your communication style? How do you model these characteristics? How would you describe your style of communicating and interacting with others?
The ability to communicate effectively is often included as a primary, undergraduate learning goal. Communication competency consists of several parts. The first part considers knowledge of communication, typically gained by observing others or through instruction. The second part focuses on individual ability to use communication. Physiological or psychological factors can enhance or hinder each person’s ability to effectively communicate. Physiological and psychological factors include age, maturity, mood, stress level, personality, and level of communication apprehension. Finally, the third part considers one’s ability to adapt to various contexts. Social variables such as status and power affect competence.
The National Communication Association (NCA) has identified many aspects of competence related to communication. Below is a list of what the NCA had defined that students should be able to do in terms of speaking and listening.
- State ideas clearly
- Communicate ethically
- Recognize when it is appropriate to communicate
- Identify their communication goals
- Select the most appropriate and effective medium for communicating
- Demonstrate credibility
- Identify and manage misunderstandings
- Manage conflict
- Be open-minded about another’s point of view
- Listen attentively
Competence involves knowledge, motivation, and skills. The motivation to reflect on and improve communication is also imperative. Multiple stages of competency exist: unconscious incompetence, conscious incompetence, conscious competence, and unconscious competence. The initial state of competence includes unconscious incompetence, where one does not have a knowledge base of communication concepts and practices. The final stage is unconscious competence, successful communication without straining to be competent. To progress toward unconscious competence is to become a more mindful communicator. The benefits to becoming a more mindful communicator consist of achieving communication goals, detecting deception, avoiding stereotypes, as well as reducing conflict.
Sometimes fear or anxiety exists when communicating. Communication apprehension (CA) is fear or anxiety experienced by a person due to actual or imagined communication with another person or persons. CA can include multiple forms of communication, not just public speaking. Public speaking anxiety is a type of CA that produces physiological, cognitive and behavioral reactions in people. Key ways to address public speaking anxiety include systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring, and skills training.
Top Ten Ways to Reduce Speaking Anxiety
- Remember, you are not alone. Public speaking anxiety is common, so don’t ignore it—confront it.
- You can’t literally “die of embarrassment.” Audiences are forgiving and understanding.
- It always feels worse than it looks.
- Take deep breaths. It releases endorphins, which naturally fight the adrenaline that causes anxiety.
- Look the part. Dress professionally to enhance confidence.
- Channel your nervousness into positive energy and motivation.
- Start your outline and research early. Better information = higher confidence.
- Practice and get feedback from a trusted source. (Don’t just practice for your cat.)
- Visualize success through positive thinking.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare! Practice is a speaker’s best friend.
Competencies can be considered the knowledge, skills and attributes that can be developed in every aspect in life.
Ways to display communication competency:
- Communicate in a respectful tone and manner.
- Listen actively and communicate effectively with others.
- Write clearly and accurately in a variety of contexts and formats.
- Listen and ask questions to understand other people’s viewpoints.
- Communicate issues in a timely manner.
- Are aware of and responsive to verbal and non-verbal communication styles.
- Recognize cultural differences in communication.
- Use effective cross-cultural communication skills.
Communication is a lifelong journey and should be continuously improved. In today’s world, there are numerous platforms where people can share their thoughts or express themselves. Communication may be thought of as speaking, words, and presentations in the business world, but communication is all around us. Art is communication of emotion. Video or cinema is communication of experiences. Sports communicate physical ability to the maximum degree, and do not forget about non-verbal communication of one’s appearance, body language, style, or natural beauty of a human or nature. The advancement of one’s communication abilities is solely dependent on their perspective and their motivation for communicating their message. Becoming a better communicator is a learnable skill that will benefit anyone who attempts to overcome the challenge.
References:
Honor Capstone: Communication Resources
The Communication Competency: Exploring Student Intern and Employer Communication Differences
Develop Your Communication Competency
Communication Competence
The 10 Core Competencies