The Importance of Communication Skills


By Dan Britt


I recently attended an education seminar for a leading company in the music industry. The primary objective of the meeting was for the executives of the company to assist the teachers to become both better educators and business persons. Throughout the seminar, I heard a recurring topic that was crucial to achieve this objective. While one of the directors began instructing, he said "Go to the communication books section of the library, and start with books under letter A - then go to letter B - then C - and so forth." He was suggesting reading several books on the topic of communication alone.

Later on, a gentleman said that he asked a leading school director for one of the keys to success. The director replied, "Excellent communication skills."

After the seminar, I spoke with the president of the company. He stated that one of the best music teachers he knows majored in English! This brings us back to - communication skills!

When I got home, I got to examine the booklet handout more. Communication is listed as a main category under Sales (to sell), Marketing (to promote) and Administration (to maintain). Ok, so - the importance of communication skills was now highlighted by four different sources at this meeting on how to become a better educator and business person. Because of its importance, don't you think you should be working on enhancing your communication abilities? This is enough reason to take the first step in strengthening these skills!

One way you can better develop these skills is through practice: Look in the mirror when you speak, or consider videotaping yourself speaking. Yes, this might require you to depart from your comfort zone, but take a look back to some of the biggest rewards you've experienced: Didn't most (if not all) of these rewards require you to face a great challenge or some discomfort?

When you speak to somebody, remember how important the act really is. Try to speak directly and clearly, articulating each word and consonant. Moreover, just as there are volume and tempo changes in music, try varying the pace and level of your communication. Afterall, when we speak, words are 7% of our communication, tone of voice is 38% and body language is 55%.

Also, try to become an "active" listener. Relating to others is impossible unless you can fully hear what they are saying. Dom Famularo, author of Cycle of Self-Empowerment*, states "Learning how to be a good listener is as important as being a good speaker. You must actually feel what is being said rather than just hearing the words. Being a good listener means you are totally focused on the speaker, concentrating not only on what is being said, but how."

Did you want any further tips to improve your communication skills? Well, why don't you follow the advice of the director in the beginning of this article: Get to the library or bookstore!


Dan Britt is a NJ drummer/instructor who conducts clinics at schools and conferences. A background in psychological research, his inspirational articles have appeared in various international publications and organization newsletters. Dan can be contacted through his website, www.DannyBritt.com, or via e-mail at DanBSticks@aol.com.

*For further information on the book The Cycle of Self-Empowerment, please go to www.DomFamularo.com .