by Roxanne Dubarry

Created on: November 06, 2007

The importance of effective communication and writing skills are very important in our daily lives. "People will judge us by how well we speak, " according to my business communication teacher. She than proceeded to tell her class, "that mother is seriously jeopardizing her daughter's future by teaching her incorrect grammar. She will never be able to become gainfully employed unless she learns how to use correct grammar."

People also judge you by how well you write. Effective business communications need to use what is commonly called the four C's. The three most important ones are: Clear, clean, and concise. In order to be considered clear, a business letter needs to be easily understood by it's recipient. If her daughter never learned correct grammar, she would be unable to simply fill out a resume, and become gainfully employable. He cover letter would have to brief, and concise. It would have to avoid excessive words, and slang.

During her job interview, she would have to be able to use correct English. If she used poor conversational English, she would never be contacted by her prospective employer. Even in Lower paying job classifications such as working in a fast food restaurant, or as a courtesy clerk in store correct grammar is considered important. Many people find bad grammar offensive to them. They classify the person as being, "poorly educated."

However, there is hope for people who have poor communication skills: They can learn how to communicate effectively by visiting web-sites such as Helium. They can further their education by enrolling in adult basic education classes. They can visit their local library, and check-out reference and research material and become better informed citizens.

They can practice oral communication skills, by reading aloud to their children, and grand children. They can assist older children with their home-work by encouraging them to read their homework assignments to them. Concerned parents can help edit their child's work; however, doing their homework for them now will effect the quality of the their lives in adulthood.

In this Internet age, computerized skills are necessary to help older and younger people live more happy and productive lives. As the newsletter director for our Clubhouse I unfortunately am severely handicapped by poor computerized skills.

However, I have chosen to follow the advice of a wise and respected man,"Lawerence Welk," he was a very successful entertainer and human being because he followed the golden rule, "always hire people more talented than yourself."

The man that I have appointed as my assistant studied Journalism in High school, and he has excellent computer skills. The result is we have a high quality newsletter. Our Clubhouse manager uses our newsletter in the reports he files to his superior. However, I need to follow my own advice, and become more computer literate.

Learn more about this author, Roxanne Dubarry.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.