Communicating 24 x 7

Talking about communication as a survival skill cannot be overemphasized. It is an important skill for managing ourselves and those around us. With effective communication, we manage better relationships at home, at work or in any environment we find ourselves, and ultimately, it is a much-needed skill for sharing our vision and achieving our goals.

The study, knowledge and understanding of communication can never be obsolete; considering that people communicate all the time and the change in technology also affects or improves the way we communicate. Hence, a change in technology gives new thoughts to the study of communication.

Furthermore, the more we understand the science of human behaviour, the more the study of communication is conversely affected. The question we may ask is why is the study of communication so important? Before we look into that, we may need to answer another important question: why do we communicate?

Why do we communicate?

We communicate in other to reveal or express self. Yes, we communicate to reveal an information, message, thought process, interest, desire or vision about self, group or others. We communicate so that we can share and get back in return. We communicate so that we can commune. We communicate so that we can reach out to another/others to achieve our goals.

One of the very definitions above is: “to reveal self” (my favourite). The way we communicate defines who we are. On one hand, our communication reveals our ideas, thoughts, intentions and vision – our inner self. On the other hand, the way we communicate reveal to others who we are. It reveals, how passionate, intelligent, anxious, truthful, happy, scared, in control (to mention a few) we are.

Other reasons given above for why we communicate are often deduced from the definition of communication. There are various definition of communication, but they all speak to the need to these key words; share, message/information, feedback, sender and receiver.

Some definitions of Communication

Communication is the act of transferring an information from one place, person or group to another.

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/what-is-communication.html

Communications is fundamental to the existence and survival of humans as well as to an organization. It is a process of creating and sharing ideas, information, views, facts, feelings, etc. among the people to reach a common understanding. Communication is the key to the Directing function of management.

https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-studies/directing/communication/

Communication is the process of sending and receiving messages through verbal or nonverbal means, including speech, or oral communication; writing and graphical representations (such as infographics, maps, and charts); and signs, signals, and behavior. More simply, communication is said to be “the creation and exchange of meaning.” 

https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-communication-1689877

Communication is about exchange or sharing, about a message or information, about a receiver and sender, and about feedback or reactions!

Why is it important to improve our communication skills?

I was almost asking – why is it important to study Communication / learn more about communication? Firstly, it is a discipline (a course of study in an institution) people study communication as a discipline and to get a degree. Secondly, every discipline is updated and improved upon now and again; hence, continuous study of communication is inevitable as a discipline. However, not everyone is expected to take up “Communication” as a course of study, in part or as a major, at an institution.

Nevertheless and more importantly, we all communicate and continually find the need to communicate better, in our relationships, at home, at work and in any social environment. Most times the difference between success and failure, is the way we communicate.

For instance, if you cannot properly articulate your vision, then how do you sell your business Idea to investors, how do you lead your workers effectively, or sell your products. How do you express yourself the way you want to be heard? How do you win?

Another point would be; How do you woo and gain acceptance from your loved ones; reach-out to your social group; ascertain the needs of a stranger? How do you effortlessly succeed in your environment?

As earlier stated in the opening paragraph, it is a survival skill and it is of import to hone our survival skill in this increasingly complex world. In our articles, we do not attempt to fully teach Communication as a discipline or course of study, rather we wish to explore the Art of Communication; and reveal the skills techniques or tips that we can apply in business and social environments to be appreciated, accepted, socialize better and become more successful.

When don’t we communicate?

Back to the topic… Communication 24 x 7; so when do we NOT communicate? Is this really possible? During my research, I delved into the fact that we communicate 24 x 7. How true?

24 x 7 means every day, Monday to Sunday. We do not communicate by choice but we communicate as part of our human nature to express self and share with others. Even when we are alone, we are guided and shaped by our thoughts and deliberate on issues internally; sometimes we carelessly speak out loud to ourselves. We speak out loud in other to express self. We re-echo our thoughts to share with ourselves, this new notion we have eventually come to. Some call it soliloquy – Funny, isn’t it?

Intrapersonal Communication is Vital for Personal Development!

The part of the body that is always active during communication is the brain. And guess what, the brain hardly sleeps. All we say with our body language and gestures are coordinated by the brain. Evidently, they are part of Communication. What we communicate to ourselves in our private moments are also considered Communication – Intrapersonal Communication.

In fact, this is the most important communication we have. Yes, we have soliloquy, but the thought process and unspoken words that account for dialogue with self is the foundation of one’s communication. Intrapersonal Communication is Vital for personal development. For every time we are awake and conscious, we communicate.  And this is arguably true!

In addition, the brain is the most active part of our communication process and discourse. This is evident in the brain activity when we dream: – You would be perplexed what some persons do while they are asleep? People sleep work, sleep talk or even sleep laugh… We would focus on Intrapersonal communication in future articles to throw more light on the topic. What is important here is the point that: we are capable of communication 24 x 7.

Asides intrapersonal communication, communication with persons, animals or programmed/robotic devices is done during the waking hours of our lives. Communication takes various forms; verbal or non-verbal, oral or written, within immediate or distant locations, physical or online space to mention a few. What is evident is that people would continually look for a way to share information, ideas, desires, interests or needs through a communication medium.

In conclusion, communication is a survival skill and we need it to function 24 x 7. Communication is the tool that aids us to properly function and relate in our homes, businesses and social environments In order to achieve the desired success. It is important therefore to improve our communication skills in order to attain success in our desired goals.

Speechless was here!