Introduction
There has been much written about and spoken regarding what has been written about communication skills; though it is clear there are still gray areas under which it may be challenging to find comprehensive information. Additionally, it is common knowledge that in every day life the problems that are encountered with regard to the application and usage of communication skills should be addressed; meaning that there is still much to be done under this field within the society (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
According to the book written by Matthew McKay, Martha Davis and Patrick; “Messages: the Communication Skills Book” it is clear that having excellent communication skills is one of the core proficiencies required in the course of carrying out communication as it forms a basic aspect of everyday interaction. This can thus be used to argue that one needs to be well conversant with communication skills; as it contributes a great deal to addressing the issues that are involved in communication and the means of solving the problems encountered. Additionally, it can be argued that communication skills further provide for corrective measures to the issues arising as a result of the poor usage of communication forms (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
Based on the knowledge gap pointed out, this book review is useful in revealing what has been published about the topic “communication skills” by some prominent scholars, having scanned the writings and acknowledged a set of helpful literature. Additionally, the passage comprises three sections where the second and the major one addresses the book about the research on the given topic relating to the advantages and the disadvantages of some of the different communication skills in accordance to their application (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
Matthew McKay and Martha Davis “Messages: The Communication Skills Book”
The book “Messages: The Communication Skills Book” by Matthew Mc Kay and Martha Davis is an absolute practical guide which should probably be used in the day to day activities; in solving the different issues resulting from the misunderstanding of the different parties involved in communications and especially for those who encounter difficulties in the application of communication skills. As a result, it tends to give a practical judgment with regard to the various issues under communication. Additionally, giving focus to the work presented in the writings from the book mirrors what is to be done with regard to communication rather than what is to be imagined about (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
Pointing from the book’s context, it can further be argued that in order for one to improve their communication proficiency; he or she must improve on the aspects of communication including that include active listening and making contracts. The other aspects to be considered include the use of body language, sexual communication and public speaking among the other aspects to be used under communication skills (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
Active listening is where one has to take time in listening to the other party while taking the judgment or analysis on what he or she is trying to pass across. Further, this is very important because it gives the other party the time to pass their views as in the case it is not to be employed; commotion is likely to occur from the disagreement between the both parties leading to a break during the communication process (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
On the other hand, it should be noted that body language is widely applied where it is significant. From the book’s point of view, active listening in other words can be termed to as the act of using gestures in communication which mostly applies to the dumb; as they are not in a position to hear what is being conversed. As a result, body language becomes an appropriate means of passing on what they mean to communicate; although in rare cases you can find individuals who are not handicapped using it. Further, the proper use of gestures or body language is very important because some of the meanings contained in certain messages cannot be effectively passed on without the use of body language therefore making this aspect a basic tool that can not to be ignored (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
Public speaking on the other hand involves the skills that are addressed in the book, which involve the acts of speaking in the presence a great multitude of audience or a group of persons. Additionally, it should be noted that public speaking requires the aspect of active listening from the audience and self confidence from the speaker; so as to be sure the communication process is effective and efficient as in the case this is not observed, the communication may not meet its goals (McKay, Davis & Fanning, 2009).
Conclusion
Having analyzed the book “Messages: The Communication Skills Book”, it is clear that as long as one is in the society communication is a basic requirement and skill as it helps the members of society to know and understand others better. Further, the development of society and communication is important as it helps bring peace and co-existence among the members of society. In addition, communication skills as being a vital aspect of communication raises the various queries as to how the use of inappropriate communication forms can be solved effectively.
Reference list
McKay, M. Davis, M. & Fanning, P. (2009) Messages: The Communication skills book, 2nd edition. California: New Harbinger Publishers.