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Jonathan Swift once said, “Argument is the worse sort of conversation.” I believe majority of us would try to avoid getting into arguments, or confrontations of any sort, if possible. Personally, I feel that arguments arise from misunderstandings, where both parties are unable to reach a consensus in an amiable manner. These misunderstandings are in turn caused by a lack of effective communication between individuals.
Inarguably, too many arguments can strain a relationship. Thus, as one who deeply values her relationships with others, effective communication skills are important for me, in order to reduce miscommunication with others.
Effective communication facilitates a two-way interaction between individuals, such that the sender can convey messages to others clearly and unambiguously, while the audience is able to understand the message that the sender wants to bring across. This form of two-way communication prevents miscommunication and reduces the probability of arguments occurring.
In addition, effective communication skills are essential for one to communicate competently in different social settings, whether with family members, in school, or at work. Hence, it is vital for us to grasp the concepts of written communication, job search communication and oral communication. Only this way, can we maintain healthy relationships with those we love, while building strong relationships with new acquaintances both at work and play. This is especially important for me, as I will be starting my professional career after graduating at the end of this semester, and I hope to establish good working relationships with my colleagues.
6 comments:
Hey Gwen,
Arguments are the worst form of communication. Often times, when arguing we say things just for the sake of rebutting the other party's points. There isn't even an open flow of information and at the end of the argument we sometimes realise we have achieved nothing by arguing.
I do agree the root of these problems is probably the lack of effective communication. That is what I am probably here to learn about as well.
Wish you all the best and may effective communication skills come in handy at your new job.
Cheers,
Divya
Personally, I feel that arguments not only arise from misunderstanding, but also from cultural difference or various values and beliefs. Just like what we have discussed in today's class, different countries have different cultures. If you are not aware of other cultures, it is easy for you to offend others. Besides, due to various beliefs, arguments may arise easily, especially in the field of religion.
Hi Divya,
Yes, I do agree that during arguments, we sometimes say things just for the sake of it and only end up hurting the other party. After which, we'd regret we've said, but it is often difficult to take back our words.
It is easy to forgive but not forget, and even after apologising, there may still be a strain on the relationship. Hopefully, by practising effective communication, we will be able to avoid this.
All the best to you too. See you in class!
Gwen
Hi Ji Lu,
While I personally do not see myself getting into arguments over differences in culture and religion, I do agree that it is applicable to others.
I guess this is where what we've learnt in class into play. One has to understand and respect another's belief system, so that we can communicate effectively without offending others.
Thanks for your input!
Gwen
Dear Gwen,
Thank you for this very fluent and comprehensive overview of the importance of effective comm skills. You do a good job of introducing the topic with your use of the Swift quote. I also like the way you funnel down to your own situation. At that point, however,it would have been better to develop the description of your specific needs in greater detail. In short, you could have given us readers greater insight into your own needs and why those should be addressed.
I look forward to reading your next post!
It's true that "Argument is the worse sort of conversation". Most of us knew that argument will only worsen the relationship with others, but we can't stop ourselves from not rebutting what others had said when we are angry. We knew that this would hurt the people we love dearly, but in the moment of anger, this is the way we would communicate with them. Therefore, I totally agree that effective communication skills are really important to every one of us. Plus, I’m also graduating this semester, so hopefully we can grasp the concept of effective communication skills and able to make full use of them in the future.=)
See you in class.
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