Why Communication Skills Matter

​"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
― George Bernard Shaw, Leadership Skills for Managers

Effective communication is important, so that people understand:

• Goals, so they are all working toward the same goals.
• The facts for solving problems and resolving conflicts.
• Instructions, so they do not get frustrated or injured.

Small details can impact communication. Pay attention to those details to make sure effective communication is really taking place.

• Listening - Are you really listening? Are you thinking about what you are going to say next? Are you "spacing out"? When you don't understand, do you ask questions? Do you take a moment to really think about what other people are saying?
  
  
• Body Language - Are you giving cues to let other people know that you understand what they are saying? For example, maintaining good eye contact and nodding will let them know you understand. If you don't understand, don't nod.
  
  
• Speaking - Are you speaking clearly so that people can understand your words? If you are speaking, what is the other person's body language telling you? If they don't understand, are you listening to their questions and making an adjustment in what you are saying?
  
  
• Writing and Reading Comprehension - Are you using terms the target audience will understand? Are you writing to the reading level of the audience? Are you presenting information in a way that is meaningful to the reader?
  

Illinois Essential Employability Skills

Communication Skills: Active Listening

Communication Skills: Clear Communication

Foundation Skill Other Examples

Listening

• Identify important information.
• Recall and summarize information.
• Understand complex instructions.

Speaking

• Talk to co-workers and clients.
• Speak clearly and confidently using proper grammar, tone, and pace.
• Have a two-way conversation that builds on information that was previously discussed.

Body Language (non-verbal cues)

• Maintain eye contact.
• Use facial expressions to show interest.
• Maintain good posture. 
  
• Stand at an appropriate distance from others.

Writing and Reading Comprehension

• Organize information.
• Use proper grammar, spelling, and terminology.
• Interpret and develop charts and tables.
• Evaluate and use information.
• Take good notes.​

Management Skill Other Examples

Informing

• Gather and disseminate information in a timely manner.
• Keep employees informed.
• Avoid overwhelming employees with irrelevant information.
• Update information.

Clarifying Roles and Objectives

• Explain job duties.
• Provide instruction.
• Set performance goals.
• Link tasks to organizational objectives.

Scenario Guides

If you’d like to quickly test yourself on these skills, check out our scenario guides. These guides provide you with a few example situations on the first page, as well as space where you can write your solutions. Once you’ve done this, measure your responses against our answers on the second page.

You can find these guides in the “Documents” section of this article.