I need to know how to communicate effectively - & badly!!!

Effective communication skills are very important to me, especially in the context of relationships. Communication and relationships are inseparably connected since communication involves every aspect of our interaction with others. Having effective communication can help to build bridges between strangers and help one to make new friends. For an introvert like me, to engage in a conversation with a stranger (and subsequently to maintain it) is really challenging. Many times, to avoid awkwardness, I would prefer not to speak to people whom I am not close with. To some people, their impression of me may be aloof and arrogant. In actual fact, I just do not know how to make small talk and keep the conversation going. Hence, when I know that ES2007S can provide me with the skills to communicate and convey my thoughts to others effectively, I decided to take up this module.

Effective communication will also help me to build a good relationship with my family and friends since it ensures that messages are conveyed accurately and prevents any misunderstandings. Very often, I do not know how to express the way I feel or how to make my needs known to others. On top of that, I am afraid that if I voice out my displeasure when they do not meet my expectations, I would cause unhappiness to them. Hence, whenever my needs are not met, I always bottle things up and keep my displeasure to myself. When that happens, I would tend to fume silently and refuse to interact with anybody. Sometimes, people might think that I am very unapproachable. Therefore, if I am equipped with good communication skills, I can be more assertive. Moreover, I would be more sensitive towards others if I learn how to voice out my disagreements in an empathetic way. With effective communication, there is a likelihood of getting my views across, avoiding conflict by showing that I respect the other party and maintaining good relationships, thus creating a “win-win” situation.

Effective communication is important when I join the workforce. In the workplace, meetings and discussions are venues for employers and employees to brainstorm for effective strategies and to relay their plans to each other. Therefore, communication skills play an important role in helping one to carry out presentations and facilitate discussions. The most efficient way to bring about a desired outcome is to articulate ideas and provide appropriate responses clearly. Very often, I find myself inadequate in the way I present my knowledge to others. Hence, having good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively would help me to convey ideas clearly to others when I am in the workforce.


Well, I guess, from this blog, you have known all my weaknesses. Yes, they are communication weaknesses. I do hope that I can polish up my communication skills and when I have acquired these skills, I can be more confident in the future. :)