ABC's of Communication

So what are communication skills? Based on the article the ability to properly use the communication cycle which consists of the source-encoding-channel-decoding-and the receiver, making sure the message is understood and interpreted well in each area. While reading this article I began to reflect on my own communication skills, I concluded that I have basic communication skills meaning I understand the process but lack strength in certain areas. I realized often when I communicate with others my message is sometimes unclear which is the beginning mistake. In order to ensure that the receiver understands my message I must have my thoughts organized in the beginning. The most interesting part of the article was the discussing on why communication skills are important, before reading this article I never thought of communicating in terms of a sender and receiver. I considered communication to involve two individuals having a conversation and interpreting what the other was saying. However the process is more complicated and involves many steps that must be clear in order for effective communication to take place. The article pointed out that "communication is only successful when both the sender and the receiver undersatand the same information as a result of the communication." I found this to be true because often when I have important conversations the individual and myself are on separate pages, which leads to confusion and carries the conversation on. Overall I took this away from the article: communication skills are important because they affect all aspects of our lives and they lead to great success. Having great communication skills not only allows you to communicate with others well but allows you to become more marketable in career terms. Who would have ever thought that having the gift of gab and using it properly could lead to having good communication skills?