Essentials of Communication Skill and Skill Enhancement

5The Course of Communication-Skill Acquisition

Acquiring a skill is nothing like flipping a light-switch. Instead of instantly going from “off” to “on,” novice to expert, skills develop gradually over time through experience and practice. Whom would you choose to perform a delicate surgical procedure: a doctor who specialized in that particular procedure and did it every week, or a general surgeon attempting that operation for the first time? It’s not too hard to figure whom most of us would choose. Although the stakes might not be as high, in the realm of communication skills, a newly minted sales rep, news anchor, or teacher is not likely to be as proficient as their more experienced counterparts who have “learned the ropes” and mastered the ...