The word communication has been derived from the Latin word ‘communis’ which means ‘common’. Thus, communication means sharing of ideas in common. “When we communicate, we try to establish a “commonness’ with someone, that is to say we are trying to share information, an idea or an attitude. Therefore, communication takes place when one person transfers information and understanding to another person. It refers to the exchange of ideas, feelings, emotions, knowledge and information between two or more persons.When you read a book, its author communicates with you. Therefore, communication does not mean merely written or oral messages.

The essentials of Communication are best described as the 7 C’s. Communication needs to be clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete and courteous. Being able to communicate effectively is one of the most important life skills. Those with good interpersonal skills are strong verbal and non-verbal communicators and are often considered to be “good in dealing with people”.There are four modes of communication. These are:-

Verbal Communication. It plays an important role in our daily life. In verbal communication we talk face to face with another person. This is best communication because we can express his feeling direct in front of another person. If we have any doubt on the questions of the speaker, we can immediately clarify that doubt.

Non-Verbal Communication.Nonverbal communication is the act of conveying a thought, feeling, or idea through physical gestures, posture, and facial expressions. A study conducted at UCLA found a majority of communication to be nonverbal, although the study’s exact statistics—which showed only 7% of any message to be relayed through words, 38% through vocal elements such as tone, and 55% through nonverbal elements such as posture and gesture—are often disputed However, most experts agree that 70 to 93 percent of all communication is nonverbal. Each movement and combination of movements of the body—such as shifts in posture, direction of the eyes, gestures of the limbs, and expressions on the face—provide signals to others. These cues may be subtle or obvious, and they can be contradictory: A person might say one thing while body language conveys an entirely different message. This might be especially true when a person is not telling the truth. Because nonverbal communication is often instinctive and typically not easy to fake, it is generally more indicative of a person’s true feelings.

Electronic or Mass Communication

 The technological advances of the past few decades have made it possible to transmit printed messages, pictures and even live performances to all comers of the world with speed. With a single touch, you can send communications to a number of destinations. Not only large business houses but even medium and small ones use them in their day-to-day working. Among such means are fax, internet/email, teleconferencing and videoconferencing. Certain skills are absolutely necessary for successful communication in any workplace or in our private life. These skills are as hereunder:-

Listening

Listening is one of the most important aspects of communication. Successful listening is not justunderstanding of spoken or written information. It is also an understanding of how the speaker feels during communication.If a speaker can see and feel that someone is listening and understanding that can help build a stronger, deeper relationship between interlocutors.

Straight talking

Conversation is the basis of communication. Even a simple, friendly conversation with colleagues can build mutual trust and even detect problems before they become serious.A healthy dose of chatting with and unknown person can lead to a business opportunity. Accessibility and a friendly demeanour is important to initiate conversation.

Non-verbal Communication

When we talk about things that matter to uswe end up sending a lot of nonverbal messages. Non-verbal signals are wordless communication, body position, facial expression, hand movements, gestures, eye contact, attitude and tone of your voice, muscle tension and the way you/we breathe, the way you look, listen, create, react, gesture, speaks far more about feelings than words will ever be able to.

Why non-verbal communication skills are important?

Research on interpersonal communication has revealed that 93 percent of all communication is non-verbal. Developing the ability to understand others and use nonverbal signals will help you connect with others, express what you think, meet challenging situations, and build better relationships at home and at work.

Stress Management

In small quantities, stress can be very useful and encouraging for work. However, when the stress becomes constant and completely begins to take effect, it can affect communication, clarity of opinion, and appropriate behavior and action.When you are under stress you may misunderstand other people, send confusing nonverbal signals, and use funny patterns of behavior.How often did you feel stressed during discussion with your friends or colleagues and then said or did something you regretted later?If you improve stress management skills, not only will you avoid these subsequent regrets, but you will also be able to influence the other person you are entering into a conflict.

Emotion Control

In communication, feelings play an important role. Making decisions more often affects the way you feel than the way you think.Guided by emotions, your nonverbal behavior affects the understanding of other people and how others understand and perceive you. If you are not aware of your feelings you are guided, you will not be able to express your needs and experiences. This can result in frustration, misunderstanding and conflict.Control of emotions provides you with tools to understand others, yourself and the messages you send.

How to make Communication effective

1. When you meet with some other people for the sake of personal or official purpose, always starts with short introduction about yourself and handshake with smile on your face. Its puts good impression on that person.

2. When you are in meeting, if it is possible always try to call the person with name.

3. While communicating with other person try to make eye contact with him. With eye contact receiver get some interest in your speech or in your conversation.

4. Use some gesture like victory sign with hands when someone responds to you.

5. Speak slowing and clearly while communicating with other person. So that they can easily understand you conversation.

6. Try to get feedback from the listener whom you are speaking or communicating and give the response from the feedback.

Barrier of Communication

Cultural Barrier

There is due to different culture in the world. The cultural barrier arises when two people from different an organization belongs to two different religions. The culture one religion is not matching with other religion.

Languages Barrier

This is main barrier in the communication. Because through language, we shall express our thoughts and communicate with other peoples. There are thousands of languages in the worlds. Languages are big barrier in communication. To remove languages barrier we have to use common languages in the world so that we easily communicate with everyone.

Perceptual Barrier

This due to the different opinion between the two people. Every person has their own perception. Sometimes there perception match with other people some time not.

Physical Barrier

This barrier due to because large number person are working in same unit or area, which are different from every another one. Some have the capacity to do more work some have the capacity to do less work. When these persons are repotting to the boss, there is some difference in the work of person. To overcome from this physical barrier every employee has to give the same training. So that they can do same work.

Drawbacks of Communication

1. Without good communication you cannot motivates any other person or your employee if you are leader in any organization.

2. Without good communication skill you cannot impress your clients for your product. If you impress the clients by his communication, then client cannot place order in any organization.

3. There is miss-understanding without good communication which leads to big loss to any organization.

4. Without good communication you cannot get the good job in the Industry or any organization.

5. Lack of confidence, if you do not have good communication skill. You will hesitate for talking with other person.

How to improve Communication Skills

You can improve your communication skill by watching news channel, reading newspapers, watching good movies, reading good mental positive attitudes books, by talking with your friends, teachers in school or colleges. If you are working try to share his feeling with you colleagues. For doing conversation with other we can improve our communication.

Conclusion

Communication skills always help us in handling challenging situations. To be successful in life, great communication skills serve as the stepping stones. A good communicator is always a good listener. In other words, every person with great communication skills is in favour of listening. Communication skills help in gaining the consent and cooperation of the opposite party. Therefore, it is all the more necessary to learn the art of effective communication to put across ones point well