The Philosophy Of Good Communication Skills

Posted by AnnaStenning

April 2, 2008

Imagine the business world functioning on body actions and pictures. How likely are these businesses going to succeed or even see results? This is the power of possessing good communication skills, knowing how to communicate for effective results. However, communication skills are a philosophical study, based on the understanding of language and signs. For students studying philosophy or literature, this is useful information for when coming across semiotics in texts.

Our communication skills are commonly based on the principle derived from Ferdinand De Saussure (linguist). This theory looks at signs and the ‘dyadic’ (two part) principles of sign, of the signifier and the signified. The signifier represents the form in which the sign takes and the signified is the concept it is representing. For example, if the signifier is trying to depict the word close as in a closed lid then the signified is represented by the box. The same signifier can be represented for a different signified, hence the importance of both to have meaning. These concepts are known as structuralism.

How does this links in with business communication skills? As it happens linguistic signs are not linked with a thing and a name, but a concept and sound pattern. Writing would then be perceived as a secondary principle with speech being primary. In business, conducting a presentation, you would be the signifier and the board members would be the signified. In order for it to be, a successful signified, and then the signifier will need tools to represent the meaning of the signifier. Hence, the reason why it is so vital to practise your presentations in from people not associated with you emotionally.

Thinking in lamen term and using Sausurean theory, language is a system of signs and is manifested by the differences in sound patterns. Thus communicating through speech is significant if it has a meaning behind it. Take for instance being in a business meeting, you will have an idea or a plan of how the meeting is structured, along with the prepared speech. What is said in the speech and the meaning behind the speech is important for the correct response in the signified.

Therefore, if you are considering improving upon communication and interaction with others, consider the Saussurean principle behind language. It is not necessarily about the sound or how loud you execute the words, as long the words make sense then everything else will take care of itself. The first thing that one would need to consider if whether the other will understand what is being said and knowing what you are saying yourself. This in turn will automatically increase your confidence in speaking publicly - consider keynote speakers, even though they have prepared their speech in advance they have still yet to convey it all and make sure that everyone understands.

However, now that the basic principles of communication are established, the next step is to practise and increase your own self-esteem. A good basis for communication improvement always begins with knowledge and understanding, perseverance and consistency.

Anna Stenning is an expert on communication skills with the help of studying philosophical theories behind communicating. For more information on improving communication and presentation skills visit http://www.speakfirst.co.uk

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