Most of us undermined communication skills, maybe because communication is an everyday process and seems quite easy. We are continuously engaged in communicating with one another, whether in oral or written form, so much so that these skills did not get their due importance. But the times have changed and communication skills have become the most highly-sought skills in individuals. Let’s go over the importance of communication skills for students.
What is the Importance of Effective Communication?
When one considers the importance of effective communication, many points come to mind.
Firstly, what is effective communication?
Effective communication refers to the exchange of ideas, information, opinions, and anything of value to the people concerned in the best way possible.
There are so many reasons that the importance of communication skills for students cannot be undermined.
Whether a child needs to order something in a restaurant, answer in a job interview, give a presentation, make friends, support others, or increase self-confidence, all of this involves communication. Communication can be in any form (written or oral), and it needs to be clear, concise, and relevant to serve its purpose successfully.
The role of effective communication in schools is also of major concern.
When a child’s learning environment is composed of effective communication, they become better communicators too. Effective communication in schools also involves the process of communicating with parents and other stakeholders to maintain credibility.
All in all, any child needs to master communication skills in today’s times if they want to reach the top of the success ladder.
Communication skills are the magic trick of the hour, and schools play a vital role in teaching students this magic trick. Best schools in India have started to accept this responsibility, fortunately.
How to Improve Communication Skills.
Now that the importance of communication skills for students has been touched upon, let us learn about the ways to improve the communication skills of children. Parents play a major role as teachers do in this mission.
Communication skills include active listening, effective reading, clear writing, and confident speaking.
The following are some tips from the best schools in India on how to improve communication skills:
- Teachers may conduct paired reading activities in the classroom to help students improve their reading skills (Parents, on the other hand, may encourage their children to read out from a book and ensure that they read it all with clarity and understanding).
- Group projects and team activities would help children interact with peers and communicate effectively (Make sure that the teachers keep changing groups from time to time so that children have the opportunity to interact with everyone).
- Encourage children to voice their emotions, opinions, and suggestions without making them feel embarrassed (Both teachers and parents should do this regularly for best results).
- Make children aware of the importance of effective communication so that they make efforts in the process.
- Body language should be talked about (The significance of maintaining eye-to-eye contact while speaking, not slouching, and making appropriate hand gestures).
- Make children rehearse active listening by reading out a passage and asking them questions.
- Encourage children to respect the opinions of others and not cut in while they are speaking.
- Encourage children to give presentations and speeches and participate in writing competitions and activities to be better communicators.
- A good vocabulary should also be emphasized (It helps to convey the ideas more clearly).
- Motivate children to express themselves using a few words and avoid digressions for clarity.
In a Nutshell
We all understand the importance of communication skills for students. Since they are the leaders of the dynamic tomorrow, effective communication plays a prominent role in their life and career. Schools, teachers, and parents can greatly contribute to the success of children.