Regardless of what business you are in – a large corporation, a small company, or even a home-based business – effective communication skills are essential for success.

The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others. This is a process that involves both the sender of the message and the receiver. This process leaves room for error, as messages are often misinterpreted by one or more of the parties involved. This causes unnecessary confusion and counter productivity. In fact, a message is successful only when both the sender and the receiver understand it in the same way.

When you convey your thoughts and ideas effectively you successfully get your message across. When not successful, the thoughts and ideas do not necessarily reflect your own, causing a communication breakdown and creating roadblocks in the way of your goals – both personally and professionally.

In spite of the increasing importance placed on communication skills, many individuals continue to struggle, unable to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively – whether in verbal or written format. This inability makes it nearly impossible for them to compete effectively in the workplace, and stands in the way of career progression.

Getting your message across is paramount to progressing. To do this, you must understand what your message is, what audience you are sending it to, and how it will be perceived. You must also weigh-in the circumstances surrounding your communications, such as situational and cultural context.