New Years Resolution- Communicate Better

According to Mary Poppins, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious is what you say when you don’t know what to say. Being at a loss for words is a common problem, but what if you always knew exactly what to say? Effective communication is possibly the most important skill a student can learn. It literally lasts a life time and pays dividends over the years. The art of communication is important for every aspect of life; students need it at home, at school, and someday they will need it at work. Good communication skills are the foundation for academic and professional success.

There are many ways for students to improve their communication skills. Many high schools offer a myriad of classes that focus on some aspect of the art of communication. Students often take advanced courses in writing and speaking during their four years of high school. While practicing these skills will likely improve a students ability to communicate with others, it is not enough. In order to be a good writer or orator, a student must understand the language he or she is trying to communicate. A strong vocabulary is the very essence of effective communication. Diction is critical to communication. Even naturally gifted communicators can improve their skills through increasing their vocabulary. Every paper, speech, and even idea can benefit from knowing the right words.

There are dozens of programs available to help students learn vocabulary words. Many students study a multitude of flash cards. Others play games. While these methods are helpful in learning how to recognize words and definitions, their results are still marginal. The best way to study vocabulary is in context. It is not enough to learn a word in isolation, one must understand the nuances of the meaning in order to effectively use it. Only then can students learn how to incorporate new words into everyday usage.

Reading good books is an easy way to get a jump start on the learning process. Many of the classical works of literature have an abundance of great vocabulary words. By incorporating more literature into their academics students can build a storehouse of word power.