1.6 Reasoning Critically: The Foundation of Good Communication

A degree in communications prepares graduates for a wide range of careers. The exact skills required for those careers are different, but a common feature is that each career will require close attention to language and how people understand it.

More importantly, we can learn to use communication to persuade and inform others, as well as to express ourselves clearly. These are foundational skills in many roles and organizations. We’ll develop these skills here, and we’ll be able to apply everything we learn immediately outside of this course.

Clear Communication Starts with You

Sometimes your ability to communicate with others is hindered by their inattention or unwillingness to comprehend. But when you face communication problems, it is much, much more likely that the problem is on your end. The problem is probably that you have not understood what you are trying to say, or you haven’t adequately considered the background and needs of your audience. In contrast, when you understand the content of your message and take your audience into account, you will find that some seemingly challenging barriers to communication will disappear.