Communication allows us to impart and exchange our thoughts, opinions and feelings through speech, writing or signs with the people around us. By doing so effectively, we are able to express and represent ourselves correctly and accurately, avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings which can be frustrating.
Personally, at this stage of my life, developing effective communication skills is probably all the more important as I am constantly meeting new people whom I have to work with (such as doing projects or carrying out experiments) or live with everyday (such as in hall). Also, as I proceed to enter the working society in the very near future, it would be to my advantage should I be able to articulate my ideas to my employers and colleagues in a befitting manner so as to have an enjoyable experience at work altogether.
I recall one recent incident with my younger brother, when I was home during one of the weekends (I stay in hall on weekdays). My family and I were watching the television and I was being engrossed in the programme when my brother kept bugging me with questions regarding my handphone as he was considering getting one like mine. I answered them with one or two-word answers, neither giving him much attention nor taking note of my tone and gestures. After several questions, he suddenly burst out in an injured tone saying, “Why do you talk to me like I’m an idiot!” and that finally got my head snapping away from the television set to his direction. I was genuinely shocked at his outburst and simply replied that I was not and had no intention of making him feel that way. I could tell that it did nothing to appease his anger and since he did not say anything else, I decided to keep quiet just to give him time to cool off. Looking back, I guess I should have been more tactful and not say things like “that’s rather obvious right (even in a chiding tone)” although I really meant no harm. I think I took it for granted that people close to me, especially someone as close as a brother, would not take offence at anything I say knowing me well and knowing that I would never hurt them in any way. Things would probably have been fine if I had just the sensitivity to turn my head in his direction so he could tell from my expression that I was chiding him in an affectionate and not a condescending manner.
