How can communication not be important? When you have no intention to send any message?
Yet, we are sending out messages almost every minute, every second. Intentionally or unknowingly. Verbally or non-verbally. Through virtual means or in real life.
Communication is probably one of the most basic functions of survival. However, it is useless, and can get quite frustrating too, if it is not effective at all. Effective communication requires you to be skilled at speaking, listening and observing simultaneously.
Sounds complicated? That's why it's a skill, isn't it?
The first lesson put communication in a new light for me, since I have always had trouble communicating with others. It's mostly due to my pace, tone, facial expressions and body language. My inability to process information fast indirectly affects my selection of an apt mode or channel of communication. People have commented that causing communication breakdown is my forte. Not that I'd be ready to deny that, as you'd have witnessed from my self-introduction, but I saw that glimpse of hope in this module.
Especially in university, where the people you meet and the friends you make come from all over the world, mastering the art of effective communication is certainly a bonus. It will come in handy not only in the project discussions in school but also our daily conversations in life.
On a smaller scale, though I may not know all of my course and module mates, I do hope to be able to leave them with a decent impression when I finally get acquainted with them! Besides, so many of them aren't local. Stemming from our various origins, even if we may share similar situations, but most will be set in different contexts and cultures. Personally, I find it a joy talking with them and learning about their lifestyles back in their hometowns. However, sometimes the different accents may cause confusion and it can get quite awkward when you've to ask the person to repeat the same thing four times or more. I may not have fully practised active listening but I was definitely trying to focus on what he or she was sharing with me. Sometimes I'd have to resort to observing simple gestures or body language to guess the content.
Ultimately, in this era where everyone strives to achieve smooth efficiency, effective communication will probably save us a lot of time. Getting your point across is as crucial as getting people's point, and this applies even beyond the boundaries of NUS. By avoiding confusion and minimising potential communication barriers, we might actually be able to look forward to having more meaningful exchanges and conversations!
