Effective Communication and I

As defined in the ES2007S module introduction, effective communication is “not only a stepping stone to a successful career, but also the foundation for a satisfying life”. As such, even in the context of a student such as me, effective communication remains a highly pertinent component in areas such as academics, internships/temporary jobs and social settings.

As an engineering major, project work plays an integral role in the course curriculum. More often than not, a project group comprises of members who come from different backgrounds and disciplines. This is where effective communication plays an important role in fostering an efficient and streamlined work process. During project discussions, one personal mistake is that I assume the context of my point of discussion is known by everyone. The resultant confusion is often a frustrating and time-wasting process.

In tertiary education, where reports and oral presentations are the order of the day, applying effective communication in these forms will no doubt ensure that all the hard work that have been put in can be conveyed and translated successfully to the target audience. Also, unbeknownst to many, listening is a crucial part of effective communication as well. By making an effort to listen actively rather than passively during lectures/tutorials, it will actually help us to stay focused and capture more information!
 
Throughout our undergraduate life, many of us will no doubt seek internships or temporary jobs to broaden our horizons. In this endeavour, the first and most important step is no doubt the application. Considering that companies often have numerous portfolios and interviews to go through, an application that practices effective communication will definitely stand out among the rest.

We must of course, not forget the importance that effective communication has in our personal lives. One must have experienced conflicts with your loved ones that arise because of misunderstandings or breakdowns in communication. Thus, by maintaining an efficient communication process with everyone, fulfilling relationships can be created. By communicating clearly and effectively, it is as much a benefit to us as it is a form of respect to the other party.

As is evident, effective communication has a key role to play in the many facets of our lives. Embracing this process will go a long way in us experiencing a fulfilling life.