“The higher you go, the more important [communication] is.
How else do you change the world, dent the universe, influence, persuade, and change people’s hearts, minds and actions?”
Guy Kawaski
We communicate ALL the time.
We can not NOT communicate.
So anytime we spend enhancing our skills in this area is a good investment.
However, you might want a bit more convincing.
So you’ll find plenty of research studies here – consistently showing that strong communication skills positively impact the quality of our life:
1. Workplace Success
• Perception of professionalism.
In 2010, US attorney Sean Flammer ran an experiment. He asked 800 circuit court judges to side with either a traditional ‘legalese’ argument, or one in what he called ‘plain English’. The judges overwhelmingly preferred the plain English version (66% to 34%), and that preference held no matter their age or background. Here’s an interesting extract from Flammer’s findings:
The results indicate that the participants found the Legalese passage to be less persuasive than the Plain English version. The respondents also believed the Plain English author was more believable, better educated, and worked for a prestigious law firm.
So it’s not just about credibility. Explaining yourself clearly makes you look smart, too.
• Career Progression: Employees with good communication skills are often seen as better leaders, more effective team members, and are more likely to advance in their careers.
• Job Satisfaction: Research indicates that effective communication between employees and management leads to a better work environment and increased job satisfaction. Clear communication helps in understanding job roles, expectations, and reduces workplace stress.
• Leadership and Influence: Effective communicators are better able to lead, motivate, and influence others, which not only enhances their leadership potential but also positively impacts their overall job satisfaction.
Relevant Studies:
• Conrad & Newberry (2012): Their research shows that communication skills are among the most highly valued in professional settings and that they significantly contribute to job satisfaction and career progression.
• Spitzberg & Cupach (2011): They suggest that people who are better at interpersonal communication tend to have more satisfying work relationships, which leads to greater job performance and a higher quality of life.
2. Friends and Family
• Between humans: Studies show that effective communication helps build stronger personal relationships, which are key to emotional support and life satisfaction. For instance, research highlights that couples who communicate openly and empathetically report higher relationship satisfaction and stability.
• Conflict Resolution: Good communication skills help in managing conflicts constructively, reducing stress and fostering more harmonious interactions. Poor communication, on the other hand, is associated with misunderstandings and higher conflict, which can deteriorate personal relationships.
• Social Networks: People with better communication skills are often able to maintain broader and more supportive social networks, which correlates with increased resilience and reduced feelings of loneliness.
Relevant Studies:
• Gottman & Levenson (2002): Their work on marital communication shows that positive communication behaviors, such as active listening and empathy, contribute to marital success and overall happiness.
• Kornienko et al. (2014): This research emphasizes that strong communication skills promote larger, more supportive social networks, enhancing social well-being.
3. Mental Wellbeing
• Emotional Expression: Being able to articulate feelings and needs reduces stress and emotional frustration. This promotes better emotional regulation and mental health.
• Supportive Communication: Open communication helps individuals seek and receive social support when needed, which has been shown to reduce the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression. The ability to communicate well can act as a buffer against mental health issues.
Relevant Studies:
• Pennebaker & Seagal (1999): This study found that individuals who wrote about their emotions and life experiences (a form of emotional communication) experienced improved mental health and reduced stress.
• Schönfeld et al. (2016): This meta-analysis supports the idea that communication of emotions within supportive social structures helps reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
4. Body Benefits
• Health Communication: Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers can lead to better health outcomes. Studies show that patients who are able to communicate their symptoms clearly and feel listened to by their healthcare providers experience better health care and are more likely to follow medical advice.
• Stress Reduction: The ability to communicate well in stressful situations, such as with healthcare professionals or during personal health crises, reduces anxiety and leads to better health outcomes.
Relevant Studies:
• Street et al. (2009): This research shows that better communication between patients and physicians leads to improved patient satisfaction, better treatment adherence, and more positive health outcomes.
• Steptoe et al. (2005): Studies on the relationship between stress, communication, and health show that effective communication reduces stress-related physical symptoms, improving overall physical well-being.
5. Brain Benefits
• Cognitive Development: Effective communication stimulates intellectual engagement, problem-solving, and critical thinking. People who can communicate well often perform better in academic and professional settings because they can clearly convey ideas and learn from others.
• Personal Growth: Communication fosters personal growth through self-reflection and feedback. Expressing thoughts, receiving input, and engaging in dialogue promote continuous self-improvement and a sense of purpose, all of which enhance life satisfaction.
Relevant Studies:
• Vygotsky (1978): His work on social interaction and cognitive development underscores how communication plays a crucial role in intellectual growth and social learning, which are essential for overall well-being.
Conclusion
So there we have it.
Unequivocal.
Communication skills are fundamental to various aspects of life quality, from mental health and personal relationships to professional success and physical well-being. Improved communication not only enhances you feel more satisfied, but also helps in managing stress, fostering emotional connections, and achieving personal and professional growth.