By Susan Cherono

As the good book states “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29. So what is communication? the imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium. “television is an effective means of communication “means of sending or receiving information, such as phone lines or computers. “satellite communications".

In our daily life, communication helps us build relationships by allowing us to share our experiences, needs and helps us connect to others. It's the essence of life, allowing us to express feelings, pass on information and share thoughts. We all need to communicate.
What is the importance of communication for an individual?

Communication is important to express oneself. It also satisfies one's needs. One should have effective communication for advancement in the career. In your personal life, effective communication skills can smooth your way and your relationships with others by helping you to understand others and to be understood.

Why communication is important in life?
Communication is important part of our life because it helps us to understand the feelings, opinions and ideas of people around us. We also communicate because we want to be understood and we want to express ourselves.

What makes effective communication?
It's about understanding the emotion and intentions behind the information. As well as being able to clearly convey a message, you need to also listen in a way that gains the full meaning of what's being said and makes the other person feel heard and understood.
How to improve communication Skills?

Here are some pointers to look out for when looking to improve the ability to effectively communicate with others:
1. Listening
To become a good communicator, it is important to be a good listener. It is important to practice active listening – pay close attention to what others are saying and clarify ambiguities by rephrasing their questions for greater understanding.

2. Conciseness
Convey your message in as few words as possible. Do not use filler words and get straight to the point. Rambling will cause the listener to tune out or be unsure of what you are talking about. Avoid speaking excessively and do not use words that may confuse the audience.

3. Body language
It is important to practice good body language, use eye contact, utilize hand gestures and watch the tone of the voice when communicating with others. A relaxed body stance with a friendly tone will aid in making you look approachable to others.
Eye contact is important in communication – look the person in the eye to indicate that you are focused on the conversation. But make sure to not stare at the person as it can make him or her uncomfortable.

4. Confidence
Be confident in what you say and in your communication interactions with others. Being confident can be as easy as maintaining eye contact, maintaining a relaxed body stance and talking with concision. Try not to make statements sound like questions and avoid trying to sound aggressive or demeaning.

5. Open-mindedness
In situations where you disagree with what someone else has to say, whether it be with an employer, a co-worker, or a friend, it is important to sympathize with their point of view rather than simply try to get your message across. Respect the opinion of others and never resort to demeaning those who do not agree with you.

6. Respect
Respecting what others have to say and acknowledging them is an important aspect of communication. Being respectful can be as simple as paying attention to what they have to say, using the person’s name, and not being distracted. By respecting others, the other person will feel appreciated, which will lead to a more honest and productive conversation.

7. Using the correct medium
There are several different forms of communication to use – it is important to choose the right one. For example, communicating in person about serious matters is more appropriate than sending an email regarding the matter.

Good communication skills for a great career
Succeeding in your career requires good communication skills. You need to know what you want and how you are going to attain it. Being an excellent communicator can help propel your career.

Good communication skills can aid in helping you land an interview and pass the selection process. Being able to articulate well provides a significant advantage. To do your job effectively, you have to discuss problems, request information, interact with others and have good human relations skills – these are all part of having good communication skills. They help in being understood well and in helping understand the needs of those around you.

Susan Cherono is a librarian at the Issue Desk.