Verbal Communication Skills - Essay Example

Verbal Communication Skills Student’s Name Institutional Affiliation Verbal Communication Skills Interpersonal skills are skills are the abilities we use daily to interact and communicate with others. The social skills are essential for developing relationships with others people on an individual basis or as a group. Strong interpersonal skills are important in developing strong personal and business relationships (Kagan & Evans, 1995). Some examples of the abilities include verbal and non-verbal communication skills, listening skills, decision-making, problem-solving, assertiveness, and so on and so forth. The interactive skills are always successful in achieving the desired outcomes (Hayes, 2003). Interpersonal communication is communication from one person to another, mostly face to face, and that reflects the personality, social roles, and relationships. Therefore, verbal communication is deemed as an interpersonal communication because it is between two or more parties who play different roles in the conversation. Interpersonal communication creates meaning in the message being conveyed (Nicotera, 1993). What Communication takes the form of verbal, non-verbal or a combination of both. Verbal communication is the use of spoken words, sounds, and language to pass information. The skill puts emphasis on the tone, articulation and stress of the voice when a message is being conveyed. Therefore, verbal communication is the ability for human beings to communicate using a language that involves an organized structure of words rather than mere sounds. The verbal skill is reliant on other interpersonal skills such as listening skills and non-verbal communication. It can be oral or written. Some examples of verbal communication include giving directions, describing a product or a vision, oral or written communication of changes in the workplace. The process of verbal communication is aided by basic rules of etiquette, clarity, eloquence, remaining composed and being focused (Williams, 1997). Why Verbal communication is important because it helps us inform others. The aim of any type of communication is to pass information and knowledge. The key element of verbal communication is to articulate ourselves clearly through words. Clarity and eloquence in this skill are useful to clear misunderstanding and provide the needed information. The skill allows a successful conveyance of ideas, thoughts, and information between people that allows them to work well together (Sen, 2007). Most people value interpersonal communication because they enhance experiences, improve performance, and outline expectations. Verbal communication is one of the most appreciated skills by employers since it enhances team work, decision-making, and problem-solving in the organization. Effective verbal skills bring people together, and it can be used as also a tool of persuasion because it opens up debate opportunities, provokes thinking and creativity, and helps people create new relationships. It is also used as a tool for teaching and learning because knowledge passes from a person to one or more recipients. The importance of verbal communication is apparent; when asking questions, discussing ideas, giving opinions and views, shifting perspective, summarizing, and so on. Leadership positions emphasize the importance of verbal communication because efficiency is enhanced through the presentation of information and eloquence (Acker & Defense Systems Management Coll Fort Belvoir VA, 1992). According to Robert Krauss, the survival of any species is critically dependent on their ability to effectively communicate, and the how and what is communicated significantly measures the quality of that species social life. Who Verbal communication is for everyone, and this is because at any given time we all have a message to convey. The skill is vital when conducting our day to day activities, whether personal or business conversations. Verbal communication is essential to interpersonal communication because it builds and maintains relationships, helps in solving conflicts, and passing along information (Krauss, 2002). However, verbal communication is limited for the deaf and dumb people because they rely on actions and gestures to passing on information. When Verbal communication can be used in most situations. However, certain situations may repress verbal expression. For example, when talking to a deaf or dumb person, non-verbal communication and actions may be more appropriate. In such a position, the impact on interpersonal communication is similar as if the person had used verbal communication. This type of interpersonal communication is important in serious situations because it increases the efficiency of the message. For example, in a place where an accident has occurred verbal communications should be used because the message will reach other recipients faster. However, the method of communication used must clearly express the intended message without distorting it for an efficient feedback (Williams, 1997). Where Effective verbal communication is emphasized in certain areas such as business environment, learning institutions. Businesses give emphasis to written and oral verbal communication. Written, verbal communication takes the form of memos, emails, notice, and much more. The skill is vital in this environment because people are given the opportunity to express their opinions, objections, and resolve conflicts. The message is easily and efficiently passed to the clients as well as colleagues. In a learning environment, verbal communication skills are important to impart knowledge from one person o another. The student will use the same skill to ask for clarifications and give their opinion or ideas. Therefore, verbal communication skills are essentially used by everyone for the purposes of passing information. The impact of verbal communication on interpersonal communication in the different environments is apparent when there are open channels of communication. The free communication of emotional states is significant in both everyday interactions as well as situational interactions (Fussell, 2002).  Conclusion The absence of effective communication creates conflict and breakdown in relationships. Verbal communication plays a big part in all our daily interactions whether public or personal. The mode of communication used depends on the message being conveyed, the channel to be used, and the recipient of the message. Interpersonal communication enhances the personal and business relationships formed. Communication is universal, and hence there is no limitation in scope for interpersonal communication. However, every mode of communication encounters certain challenges such as misunderstandings from poor word choice, different perspectives, poor communication channels, and so on can all lead to a breakdown in communication. Language barrier is also a challenge in verbal communication, and organizations have experienced the problem when transacting with other firms in different countries. Verbal communication has also found solutions to the challenges such as incorporating non-verbal communication, hiring translators, and considering other peoples point of view. The effectiveness of interpersonal communication is measures by the type of response and feedback received after the message has been delivered. Everyone is encouraged to improve their verbal communication skills because they are significant in building and maintaining relationships. Further, the skill is interrelated to other interpersonal skills and therefore, it is essential in all kinds of situation and environment. References Acker, D. D., & Defense Systems Management Coll Fort Belvoir VA. (1992). Skill in Communication. Ft. Belvoir: Defense Technical Information Center. Fussell, S. R. (Ed.). (2002). The verbal communication of emotions: interdisciplinary perspectives. Psychology Press. Hayes, J. (2003). Interpersonal skills at work. Hove: Routledge. Kagan, C., & Evans, J. (1995). Professional interpersonal skills for nurses. London: Chapman & Hall. Krauss, R. M. (2002). The psychology of verbal communication. International Encyclopedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences. London: Elsevier, 16161-16165. Nicotera, A. M. (1993). The importance of communication in interpersonal relationships. Interpersonal communication in friend and mate relationships, 3-12 Sen, L. (2007). Communication skills. New Delhi: PHP Learning. Williams, D. (1997). Communication skills in practice: A practical guide for health professionals. London: J. Kingsley Publishers. Read More