The Power Of Communication
As human beings, we often forget how much influence communication plays in our daily lives. Despite the technological advancements recently, with touch-screen phones, FaceTime, Skype, etc., one would easily assume that our modern-day, technological society was constantly communicating with one another. Well, guess again. In fact, our society is more disconnected than ever.
According Meriam Webster, communication is described as "a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior." Exchanging information is very important, and while it can be done through cellular devices, computers, and in-person, I found that individuals have developed avoidant behaviors from interacting with others in-person.
As a result of the technological advancements, people have lost touch of the simple skill that requires an individual to simply open and close their mouth. In a constantly stimulated environment, it has become nearly impossible to simply go back to speaking to one another.
Communication is one of the most vital life skills that one should possess. In fact, learning to talk was one of the first skills most of us learned. For some of us, it may have been walking. Regardless, learning to communicate is inevitable and our society does not place importance in communicating in person. It is ironic that these technological devices that are presumably making communication accessible to all is actually the driving force behind the lack of communication we are experiencing today.
I have found that communication done in a clear, concise, and orderly manner is the most effective way to communicate others. Similarly, expressing your needs, wants, emotions, feelings and opinions effectively is one of the most challenging, yet most useful skill I've learned since the new year has begun. Being assertive, and most importantly, honest is something that many individuals, including myself, have struggled with, especially when using communication in a conflict resolution situation.
I've noticed when one actively communicates, I can avoid more problems with my social aspect of my life. Often, issues, such as anxiety, social anxiety, etc. may play a role in our inability to actively communicate with those around us in a face-to-face setting.
If you break down communication, there are two forms of communication, which include spoken communication and unspoken communication. Our society is very farmiliar with unspoken communication, which results in unhealthy habits of passive aggresive communication.
Communication is inevitable, so as a result, I turn to customer-based jobs, and talking to strangers, in order to combat any social fears or phobias I have. Communication is something so fundamental, yet so difficult to excel at.
This year try to disconnect from your technological devices and try to practice the art of communication. Talk to a stranger and ask them how their day is going, pick up a customer-service based job, or practice trying to communicate better with your roommate.
However you may go about practicing your communication skills, place more emphasis on the power and beauty that communication can bring into your life. Learn to use the most basic human skill to your advantage!
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