I realised from watching Project Runway that the most talented tailor, won’t always get to Bryant Park.
Project Runway is a reality series that pitches fashion designers against each other, and only the top 3 gets the privilege to showcase their work at New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park. However, talent alone does not warrantee a golden ticket. Often, the winning design comes with a winning story – the story which explained the designer’s concept, and the same story which convinced the judges.
This observation from watching a reality television show resonates well into our reality, as it demonstrated how indispensible communication skills are. When I tried to think of situations where effective communication skills will not benefit me, it was indeed tough to propose solidly valid reasons.
No matter what my endeavours are, it is almost always crucial that I am able to convey my real intentions or capabilities effectively. It could be simply speaking to a friend, enquiring a request from supervisors, expressing gratitude, being interviewed, presenting an important proposal, or so many other situations in life.
Effective communication skills focus on mutual communication. As much as it is important for me to express my view, it is equally important that my audience can understand what I am trying to convey. It is not enough to only ramble away, feel satisfied to have voiced my stand, yet fail to solicit the intended or desired respond. Likewise, I would also benefit tremendously if I could accurately decode a message addressed to me. Understanding the skills to connect to people, it will help to prevent unfortunate misunderstandings.
Bright ideas can bring us far, but will be nothing if our audience cannot associate. Being able to articulate clearly, appropriately and confidently, gives us the power to influence.
I hope to gradually hone my communication skills, and would one day be able to present my own winning stories with ease, and with style.
