Communication: THE Most Important Skill
Communication Skills are Vital to You EVERY Day!
When most people hear the word communication, they either think about communication technology (iPhones and Skype) or they think of formal speech and debate. You probably never thought too much about it, but what really is communication?
While, you may never have to give a formal speech or debate someone in your entire life, you WILL have to have conversations, give directions, relate to coworkers, discipline your children, talk to your spouse, socialize at a party, text your friend, soothe a hurting soul, share your faith, interview for a job, write an email, discuss a problem, or resolve a conflict at some point every day of your life.
"A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11
Communication Skills Determine the Quality of Your Relationships!
You cannot have a relationship without communication because relationships are all about communication! If your communication skills are poor, you will have poor relationships filled with confusion, misunderstandings, tension, conflict, and even arguments leading to irreparable damage.
Most marriages that end in divorce are due to communication issues, many of which involve listening. Most of the long lasting friendships that have been severed are due to a problem with how one or both talked to the other. Most managerial positions are based on the candidate having effective communication skills. However, these skills are reported to be sadly lacking by college professors and employers.
Communication skills are on the decline.
Despite the fact that communication technology has advanced, communication skills have been on the decline in recent years because communication technology doesn't equal communication skill. How many times have you seen a misunderstanding on Facebook escalate to the point where Facebook friends for years "unfriend" the other? In fact, social media makes it much easier for misunderstandings to occur because there is no eye contact or body language involved. Social media makes it easier for people to choose harsh words because they don't have to look the other person in the eye when they blast them. Speaking in grace is fast becoming a thing of the past.
Most people aren't shy, they just don't know how to communicate.
I was an incredibly shy kid growing up. Moving around as much as I did, I was constantly thrown into new situations as the new kid on the block, but desperately lacked the skills to make new friends.
Shyness can take an uncomfortable child and make her desperately lonely. But the good news is that most shy people just need to learn effective communication skills. And that's what I did--only it doesn't need to take you as long as it took me! That's why I wrote all the Art of Eloquence training materials.
What does the Bible say about communication?
If I was to ask you what subjects are most important for your children to learn in school, you'd probably mention math, science, and history. Did you know that the Bible includes hundreds of scriptures about our tongues, mouths, words, and how important it is for us to communicate with each other in grace? HUNDREDS! I've not seen one that mentions the importance of math, science, and history.
“An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of the citadel.” -Proverbs 18:19
God commands us to share the faith, but here's why most Christians don't.
The Great Commission tells us that we are commanded to share the good news of the Bible with others. Sadly, most Christians either don't know how or are afraid to share their faith.
Most tell me that they are not comfortable because they don't know how to answer the questions about God and the Bible that they will be asked. Other say they just don't feel comfortable talking to people.
That's not a problem for someone who has a full command of effective communication skills and you can do that too!
Why don't people study communication skills?
Once you realize just how important communication skills are, the next hurdle to overcome is HOW. Most books on communication skills focus purely on speech and debate, are very boring (I know because I read them as a Speech Communication Major), and are often intimidating--especially for those who struggle with shyness or social anxiety.
Now, there is nothing wrong with learning speech and debate. It's a skill that can help you in many ways, but those skills may not address all of the situations you will find yourself dealing with on a daily basis. You probably won't have a formal debate with your friend over gun control. You'll just want to persuade him to win him over to your side. You'll never give a formal speech at a job interview. You'll just want to be a confident speaker in your interview. You'll have daily conversations and discussions with co workers, make phone calls gathering information about a company you may do business with, email a client, or gently admonish little Johnny for hitting his sister with a toy.
Why Learn Communication Skills the Art of Eloquence Way?
Art of Eloquence materials are creative and fun for all ages, PreK - Adults!
All of our studies are written from a Christian perspective and include scripture. No other communication studies are quite like ours.
Our homeschool materials have been endorsed as Homeschool Approved by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and recommended by HSLDA, the Homeschool Legal Defense Association. And our topical studies for adults have many testimonials.
Best of all, most of our studies allow you to try before you buy with a sample lesson and table of contents right on the product page!
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