“Speak, so that I can see you” is a sentence you may have heard uttered by a teacher in a crowded classroom. It also happens to be a historically famous saying that the Greek philosopher Socrates is said to have told one of his students. And because it is Socrates, people throughout history refused to take the phrase literally, but rather looked at it from a deep philosophical dimension, in an indication of the relationship between oral rhetoric and the affirmation of existence. Whether Socrates intended this or was simply looking for his student in the school hall mob, this does not negate the wisdom of the simple statement. How many famous personalities have you known only because of something they said?
We can all agree that there is a relationship between verbal communication and character, and every area of life requires proof of your presence and personality, otherwise, you will end up unheard or recognized, and such individuals cannot be leaders of change.
Importance of communication skills in the workplace
Speaking is a form of art and style. It’s one of the most important communication skills, especially in the work environment, and if you prefer silence, here are six reasons from Glenn Llopis, a business writer for Forbes magazine, that might make you reconsider:
Your performance at work begins to wane when your voice is not heard. Speaking up fuels discussion and creative group thinking. It’s important to discuss issues openly in order to get input, feedback, and invite perspective. As you voice your opinion, those around you provide input that you can then evaluate as you make your final decisions that may influence your plan, and these conversations lead to meaningful research that help achieve sustainable performance outcomes.
When you express your opinion consistently, you create a voice for yourself and begin to earn the respect of those around you, especially with those who do not have the courage to express themselves. With this opportunity comes a responsibility, so be aware of the voice you create and how you manage it. Be strategic, express yourself, but don't just talk just to talk or get attention, as your voice loses its influence.
Oftentimes the person with a strong and consistent voice is the one who is asked to lead a meeting, start a new project, or persuade those in authority to move forward on a project. Discovering and using this voice connects you with other prominent voices in the organization.
For example, someone overheard you talking in a meeting and found the point you made valuable enough to share with the president of the company. As a junior employee at a large company, this may seem far-fetched, but it actually happens. Effective communication skills allow you to discover your talent and create opportunities that you would not otherwise have.
If you are strategic in expressing yourself, others will notice and trust you because your brand defines your competence and the value you add to any project you are working on. So what do you want to be known for?
There are several reasons why some people progress more quickly in their careers than others, and eloquence is one of the most important reasons. These applicants have mastered the art of conversation by having well-balanced voices that are respected and appreciated by their colleagues. Their voice 1) empowers the organization, 2) challenges the status quo and spurs innovation, 3) inspires those without a voice, 4) increases the company's relevance in the marketplace, and 5) provides leadership and earns trust in the industry they serve.
Speaking from a scientific perspective is a cognitive process that includes a motive or psychological trigger for the speaker, yet effective communication has a style and skills that may be an innate talent for some, while others need to strive to develop them. Fortunately, just like other skills, you can learn them if you decide to do so.
