Week 2:

Why we Communicate?

by: LIRIO, DON CARLO CO

   Why we communicate at all? Humans communicate for a wide variety of reason. Put simply, our survival and success has been dependant on our ability to communicate.

Communication skill is not language specific. It is not as though speakers of a particular language have refined communication skill whereas; the speakers of a particular language have unrefined communication skill. But communication skills are related to the culture of the group to which the individual belong. All messages that we send or receiver are processed by a mental-filter. This mental-filter or the mindset makes us understand each other better or even leads to misunderstanding. Unless, we understand the attitude, the mindset and background of the person with whom we interact, our communication skill would be imperfect and ineffective.

Though communication exists even among some species of animals, birds and insects, its is limited to certain noises like chirping and crying, or movements and is related to their instinctive needs like hunting, preying and mating, human, communication is more complex, varied and has several objectives. It is complex because of the use language, a repertoire of previously accepted gestures or facial expressions to the most advanced e-mail technologies.

Socially, communication is very important. We want to make friends with people who will listen to our ideas, and also to keep in contact with those who are close to us. Talking is often about letting someone else understand your point of view, or about finding common ground between two or more differing opinion. Communication satisfies our constant need to relate to others, and have them relate to us.

We communicate to express our emotion like courage or fear, joy or sorrow, satisfaction or disappointment with appropriate gestures and words. Some people have unlimited skill to emote, to suit the occasion. Our politicians are capable of emoting well, why which by itself is a communication skill.

Lastly, communication forms the basis of a strong relationship between two people. Its way for us to find a suitable partner, and communication allows us to achieve intimacy. Remember that communication encompasses not just talking but also body language and other forms of non verbal communication.