Body Language
Discussion
In the field of Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies, communication skill is very important in terms of implementing the inappropriate plan manner (Carver, 2015). The Communication can be classified into four parts, such as interpersonal, oral, written and nonverbal communication. Among all the communication skills I believe, in the case of community development Body language, listening skills, clear verbal communication, visual communication skills and written communication skills are required in order to develop effective communication. Body language is being considered as most of the important communication skills as it proves the truthfulness of the words, which are being said (Boyd, Hart Barnett & More, 2015). In the non-verbal communication, body language helps to define the words in a proper manner. Intonation, hand movement and gesture are important in body language. It makes the speaker more expressive and sophisticated. Sometimes different body gesture helps to describe words without speaking. I believe, using this skill, I will be able to interact with both the indigenous and non-indigenous community in a sophisticated manner. Therefore, it can be said that in term of quick action in the team body language is very important. It is also true that Listening skill is required in terms of developing the effective communication skills (Liberman et al., 2017). In order to be an active speaker, the listening quality is important. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that using the listening skill, a manager in an organization will be able to discuss the needs and demands of the team members (Harris et al., 2016). I believe, there is the difference between hearing and listening is, hearing indicates the physical ability, where listing indicates the skills. Listening indicates the sense that helps to understand others. As per my understanding, developing the listening skill is important for my course because, in order to bring the community development, the good listening skills of a person help to interpret the information and knowledge in an appropriate manner. Using the appropriate listening skills, the positive human relationship can be developed.
Verbal communication indicates the different forms of communication, which includes the spoken words and written signs (Whittaker et al., 2016). The verbal communication can be done in both the formal and informal manner. Using the verbal communication information and knowledge can be passed in an effective manner. It is true that in the case of verbal communication the business deals, negotiation process, training and development practices and others functions can be done (Brink & Costigan, 2015). It is true that using the verbal communication skills in the workplace, the opportunities for debates can be increased. In this process, the creativity and innovation can be introduced in the organization (Back et al., 2016). I believe, in my course, verbal communication is important o that I can easily interact with the people and understand their needs. For the community development, different formal initiatives can also be done by me if the proper verbal communication can be done with the local authority. In case of visual communication, the ability of a person for communicating through the signals is being analyzed (Meulenbroek, Bowers & Turkstra, 2016). Body language, expression and eye contact are important in case of visual communication. By using these skills, the conveying Ideas and information become easier for the organizations. In the case of dealing with different mediums, visual communication skills are required. This skill is important in my case because being Humanitarian and Community student, I need to visit the places so that I can directly come closer to the issues in these communities. In case of a video conference in a workplace, the visual communication is required (Zentner, 2016). In both the formal and informal communication, written communication skill is needed. Emails, presentation, letters, visual aids and business documents are included in the writing communication practices. Therefore, it can be said that in term of developing the official business procedure, the written communication is important in the case of maintaining the corporate culture.
Listening Skills
After the interaction with the people from different communities, it has been identified by me that I am a little shy in case of interacting with others. However, during this course, I have tried to overcome my issue. As per my understanding, I have the knowledge of body language communication skills, but it has been identified by me that in case of interacting with the indigenous people, they were feeling uncomfortable. It cannot be denied that the indigenous community culture is totally different from my culture and due to this reason; both of us were facing the difficulties in order to understand each other. While interacting with the communities, I have got to know about their situation. The challenges regarding their acceptance in the society as well as educational issue, job opportunities and health opportunities regarding problems have been identified by me. While interacting with them, I have analyzed that the strong listening still of mine helped me to be patient towards listening to other problems. I believe this quality of mine will help me in to understand others emotion. While interacting with others, I have also identified that verbal communication skill of mine is quite strong. In the case of the community development process, while collecting the feedbacks from the people, I have interacted with them properly. They were quite pleased with my behavior.
On the other hand, not only with the local people, but I have also interacted with the local community development officer and have discussed with him my community development planning. Using my verbal communication skill, with the formal interaction we have discussed the community development initiatives. It has been identified by me that the written communication skill of mine is quite good. All the official formalities have been done by me by following the formal rules. Hence, summarizing the feedbacks of the person with whom I have interacted, I can say the major strength of mine is I have a good listening skill that has helped me to understand the needs of the people from both the indigenous and non-indigenous people. It is also true that the writing skill and verbal communication skill of mine is also my strength. Using these skills, I have interacted with the people as well as the local community development officer and discussed my community development planning. I have also identified the major weakness of mine is my body language. It cannot be denied that the body language can differ for different communities. Hand or body gestures have the different meaning in different culture. Although I believe that I have used the formal body language, however, interacting with them I have understood that my body language is not proper in case f interacting with the indigenous community.
After the identification of both the strength and weakness of mine, I can say that I need to focus on improving my body language. Before improving my body language, I need to learn about the body language of the communities with whom I am interacting. I believe the feedbacks which I have got will help me to develop my skills in the future. As I am aware of my strength and weakness, I believe, in my personal and professional development, I can use such skills in the proper manner. During the interaction session, I have identified my weakness, which is needed to get improved. The aim of my course is to identify the situation of the indigenous and non-indigenous community; therefore, I can say that the feedbacks will help me to gather the knowledge regarding indigenous people which may indirectly improve my body language skills.
Verbal Communication
Conclusion
In the study, it can be concluded that that in case of Humanitarian and Community studies the communication skills are important. While communicating, I have identified that I am a little shy in case of interacting with the strangers. This can create the challenge for me in case of implementing my planning. In the future, if I will be appointed as a manager in an organization, it may create barriers for me to deal with my surroundings. Therefore, I believe, for my future development, I need to focus on improving my skills. On the other hand, It is also true that if I will be able to develop my body language communication skills, it will help me to gather more information regarding the indigenous and non-indigenous communities.
Communication is being considered as the most important elements in every human life (Deming, 2017). In order to develop both the external and internal culture of an organization, effective communication practices are very important. It is also very important in terms of developing the healthy relationship between the employee and employers. In the words of Savery (2015), through the effective communication of a leader, the needs and demands of the team members can be reached to the management, depending on which the required steps are being taken. On the other hand, by supporting Houston et al., (2015) stated that in the case of negotiation as well as managing the business activities the communication skills is required. Hence, it can be said that in order to develop both the professional and personal skills, communication is required. In this study, I have highlighted Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies as my specialized area, depending on which I have mentioned about important communication skill development initiatives. The purpose of this study is to highlight the important communication skills, which are important for effective communication. After the highlighting, the skills, critical evaluation of the skills have been done in analyzing its significance. After connecting the feedbacks collected from the people, the strength and weakness of mine can be identified. Depending on the feedback, I will be able to develop my skills.
Reference:
Back, A. L., Steinhauser, K. E., Kamal, A. H., & Jackson, V. A. (2016). Building resilience for palliative care clinicians: an approach to burnout prevention based on individual skills and workplace factors. Journal of pain and symptom management, 52(2), 284-291.
Boyd, T. K., Hart Barnett, J. E., & More, C. M. (2015). Evaluating iPad technology for enhancing communication skills of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Intervention in School and Clinic, 51(1), 19-27.
Brink, K. E., & Costigan, R. D. (2015). Oral communication skills: Are the priorities of the workplace and AACSB-accredited business programs aligned?. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 14(2), 205-221.
Carver, C. L. (2015). Basic Counseling Techniques Training: The Differential Effects of Two Models on Skill Development and Fully Functioning.
Deming, D. J. (2017). The growing importance of social skills in the labor market. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 132(4), 1593-1640.
Harris, K. M., Phelan, L., McBain, B., Archer, J., Drew, A. J., & James, C. (2016). Attitudes toward learning oral communication skills online: the importance of intrinsic interest and student-instructor differences. Educational Technology Research and Development, 64(4), 591-609.
Houston, J. B., Spialek, M. L., Cox, J., Greenwood, M. M., & First, J. (2015). The centrality of communication and media in fostering community resilience: A framework for assessment and intervention. American Behavioral Scientist, 59(2), 270-283.
Liberman, Z., Woodward, A. L., Keysar, B., & Kinzler, K. D. (2017). Exposure to multiple languages enhances communication skills in infancy. Developmental Science, 20(1), e12420.
Meulenbroek, P., Bowers, B., & Turkstra, L. S. (2016). Characterizing common workplace communication skills for disorders associated with traumatic brain injury: A qualitative study. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 44(1), 15-31.
Savery, J. R. (2015). Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and distinctions. Essential readings in problem-based learning: Exploring and extending the legacy of Howard S. Barrows, 9, 5-15.
Whittaker, C. E., Forrester, D., Killian, M., & Jones, R. K. (2016). Can we reliably measure social work communication skills?. International Journal of Child and Family Welfare (IJCFW) 2016-Jrg 17-Nr 1/2: Investigating interactions: The dynamics of relationships between clients and professionals in child welfare, 17(1/2), 47-63.
Zentner, A. (2016). Communication Skill Development: An Antecedent to Leadership Effectiveness.