Communication Skills

We will begin our exploration of communication skills with a true story about an Irishman at a University of Pennsylvania Public Speaking class....

The Irishmen went to the podium, shrugged his shoulders once or twice, and began with, "There ain't no place in dis here union for guys who don't want to follow rules." And so he continued for the next five minutes to do great harm to the English Language. He murdered it!

Sitting in the audience, his professor was seen cringing every few moments. When the Irishman was finished his professor approached and said, "I will admit that your speech had a powerful message," but, he added icily with a wince, "Your use of language was atrocious! Your liberal use of dees, does, and dem, is not even the way you normally talk. I'm afraid that I cannot possibly approve of your speech." Whereupon the Irishman responded, "Sir, it is true that I normally do not use the language of my previous speech. However, I'm a union leader, boss of hundreds of men. If I got up in front of them and spoke high and mighty as you want me to, I'd be out tomorrow. I learned to go along with the boys years ago. They understand me . . . so I'm still top man!" Now that's what I call communication skill.

Do you see the point of the story? Not only does it matter what you're trying t to communicate but also to whom you're communicating it to. That holds true for communication in all its forms whether written or oral, whether business communication or interpersonal communication. Therefore, it remains as true of communication as of everything else: When in Rome do as the Romans do. In any locality or situation, or in whatever forum, the turn of expression and pronunciation, is best which is most like that of everyone else.

That being said, we are here to discuss communication skills in all modes, mediums, and forums. I am sure we can all agree that the communication skills involved with business are somewhat different than the skills one needs to communicate effectively on a personal level. Think about it, how many relationships have been strained because the way one communicates in business carries over to one's personal relationships. After all what one may say in a social setting or to a friend, one would not even consider saying to an employer, colleague, or client.

Before moving on, we do want to broach the topic of the use of expletives in communication. There seems to be a curious reflex in human nature that insists on popping out expletives. Since this tendency is so deeply rooted, it would be unwise to rule out all expletives. Who knows, but for the relieving expletive, a capillary might burst. So how exactly does this fit in with the subject of communication skills? Let us just say knowing when and how to use them, or when to refrain from using them altogether, is a communication skill. So, unless you are fully armed with foreknowledge of what effect they will have on your listener or reader, leave the use of them to stand up comedians who know how to use them as their art form of communication skills.

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