Guest Post: Kumar Kunal

Kumar is one of Chris' Summer 2010 Professional Speaking students at Heinz. Here he writes about real-world oral communication.

Communication is exchange of information. It is the key in binding different worlds around us. Various fields like Arts and Science, Technology, Music and Literature have evolved by the exchange of ideas. It enables awareness and a level of understanding. Since time unknown, man has adopted and evolved the technique of communication. Communication varies from simple greetings, ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello,’ to complex information exchange in various languages. However, communication is not only about languages and greetings.

What was different in the orators from freedom struggle? What is different in the CEOs, the business magnets and the inventors? It has to be something more than just mere talk.

Power of convincing, techniques of putting forth your ideas, conviction in the ideas which are being promoted, and ability to virtually demonstrate futuristic proposals are all key abilities which are crucial for communication. To achieve effective communication, it is also important to know your audience and the subject. There is a lot more to learn from motivators and innovators like Steve Jobs than what meets inexperienced eye. The zeal, the enthusiasm and the passion in the belief and the strength of their ideas is reflected in their talks and promotions.

Oral communication is a very powerful tool. This can help make or break views and perceptions. On a positive note, it helps to build the future. On the other hand, one should also be aware of its negative impact and not get veiled with the wrong ideas. All the terror pockets are also a result of this tool.

Good communication always widens the scope of learning. The architecture of social beings depends on information exchange. It is rightly said, “The art of communication is the language of leadership.”-James Humes. The only caution should be the choice of leaders. It goes without saying, “Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.”- Anne Morrow Lindbergh.