How Important Are Communication Skills?

Communication skills are an important aspect of everyday life. Everything you do, whether it be in college, a work place or a super market, everything involves communicating in some way. The way you communicate guides the way other people think of you, this is a really important thing to remember. I think that the quote “treat others the way you want to be treated” comes in relevant within this topic. If you’re a student, give the respect to your tutors and peers the way you want to receive it. If you work in retail, hospitality or any form of customer service, speak to people, both staff and customers, and communicate the way that you would want to be welcomed with. The same for if your shopping, using a service or any other encounter that you may have, communicate with people the way that you would want to receive if you were in their place. Treating people with respect, talking in a kind manner and using positive body language shapes you as a positive person. 

Working voluntarily as a children's entertainer from the young age of 14, and then progressing into retail and hospitality in my later years helped shape my communication skills in the best way. I learnt that with a lot of people in higher ranking job positions, you have to earn respect and a lot of that is earned through your communication. If you present yourself as a positive person with strong communication you're more likely to succeed in the position you're in. 

In personal experience to communicate effectively to an audience, you have to be in the right state of mind, if you go in nervous, thinking you're going to under achieve, your more than likely going to meet your expectations. If you keep a positive state of mind and be confident within yourself, your body language will become more relaxed, the tone of your voice will change and your communication will all round be more effect towards the audience.

My communication skills will support me in developing myself as an artist because to become successful I will have to speak to and present myself to a lot of people. The way in which I communicate with those people will determine how successful I become. I will be communicating visually within my work which will catch the attention of the audience, but to support this I will have to use other forms of communication. I will have to use speech in a friendly manner, chose my words carefully and professionally whether spoken or written, use positive body language, and be confident yet respectful. These communication skills will make sure I present myself as a positive, professional and respectful character. They will also help me within the same manner when completing a university or job interview, or opening up a business later in life.