In order to do this effectively, people need to understand what communication is and comprehend the range of meanings it possesses. Communication is achieved when individuals share, create and collectively understand meanings in society. Therefore, communication can be understood as implicating cultures and communities where meanings are shared and knowledge and understandings about the world are achieved.
It is my opinion that culture is produced and reproduced in communication and I can further add that the converse applies. It is important to understand that we receive, send and produce vast amounts of information, and if it is not done correctly, misinterpretations between cultures and people may occur.
Think of The Matrix where individuals believe that their constructed reality is real. Just like The Matrix, communication could work in the same way (minus the dramatic notion of 'The One'). The ways that communication is produced and interpreted is not only the basis for how reality is socially constructed (invented), it is also key to how individuals' notion of 'self' is formed. Let me explain this point further. The ways in which we communicate with one another is able to have an impact on how we view the world around us and ourselves.
Without positing a deterministic theory of culture, the ways in which individuals communicate has real consequences for how individual selfhood is achieved and how we treat others in society. It stands to reason that without good communication skills, success in personal life, work and relationships would not be present. Let me give an example of how powerful and effective the notion of communication can be using the award winning South African film District 9.
The movie, District 9, filmed in Soweto, references and communicates the South African experience of apartheid. In this way, through communication (in the form of a science fiction film), District 9 was a very interesting way of portraying issues that society deals with on an everyday basis. Xenophobia, fear and name-calling are hardly new to us, however, put these notions in a film and you may begin to communicate a different message to people. A message that shows the other enlightened side of things.
Still staying with the view that reality is socially constructed, District 9 was able to communicate and influence our thinking around social norms, social interactions and may have alternatively produced and reproduced beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes within society. All of this was done through communication!! Is this starting to make more sense to you? The power of communication, in any form is incredible!!
It has been said that a company is only as good as the people it keeps. I think a company is only as good as the communication it gives, which no doubt includes the people it keeps. If communication is not your strong point it is doubtful whether you will succeed in selling or liaising with potential clients. If you are lucky enough to attend one of Front Foots Business Communication Training sessions, it is safe to assume you would understand the importance of communication in business. Offering training on Communication, Negotiation and Presentation Skills as well as Confidence and Assertiveness Skills, Front Foot clearly understands you can "boost your career with effective communication!"
Good communication equals good business. However, there are some barriers to effective communication, which are worthwhile mentioning (so you can learn to avoid them!).
As seen from this diagram, there is a wide range of barriers that could influence effective communication. Avoid these and you are more than half way there to getting your message across. Verbal and non-verbal communication work hand in hand, and remember the best communicators are great listeners!
