Communication

    “Communication takes place when one mind so acts upon its environment that another mind is influenced, and in that other mind an experience occurs which is like the experience in the first mind, and is caused in part by that experience,” according to I. A. Richards.

Communication can be described as an exchange of information between two parties through a common system understood by both. Since the beginning of evolution, living creatures have been communicating with one another. This can be through words, symbols, art, expressions and signs.

Communication is one of the most important aspects of life. We start communicating even before we are born. It is believed that a baby can recognize the voice of her mother because she has heard it when she was in her mother’s womb. Little children may not understand words, but they understand the expressions and tone of the voice and react accordingly.

In the animal world, communication occurs through sounds, and also through movement. For instance, the fireflies fly in a certain pattern to communicate with each other. In humans, communication occurs through sound, expression, tone of voice, written word, art and even body language. According to some schools of thought, people communicate telepathically too.

Communication is important in our lives for various reasons. It helps us interact with others and hence build relationships. When we communicate with others, we understand whether we are comfortable or not with another individual.

We are able to make others aware of our needs and vice versa through communicating with them. Without communication, we would be completely lonely and it would be difficult for us to obtain our basic requirements too. It would be almost impossible to live a happy life.

According to Simon Sinek, “Communication is not about speaking what we think. Communication is about ensuring others hear what we mean.”

It is also important that communication is done properly. Otherwise it can cause misunderstandings and make us unhappy. Hence, it is said, “Think before you speak.”

Communication can be verbal – when people hear our words and non-verbal – when people make sense of our body language, tone, gestures and expressions. Many times communication can occur without uttering a single word. Therefore it is a good idea to give importance to how, not just what, we say to others.

Communication is important not just for individuals, but also for society as a whole. Spread of information, especially in today’s time, depends on efficient communication. Humankind has progressed and evolved thanks to efficient and better means of communication. It has helped the spread of ideas, built trust and communicated needs and wants of one community to another.

In every field, whether it is medicine or research or business, efficient communication has played a very important role in progress. So, it is important to communicate in a truthful and responsible manner. Hence, good communication skills are important for the progress and development of all cultures and societies and should be given importance.

I would like to conclude in the words of Nat Turner, “Good communication is a bridge between confusion and clarity.”