The key to any relationship is communication — foster good communication skills this Effective Communications Month, which is celebrated all through June each year. Dedicated to highlighting the importance of good communication in our personal and professional lives, this month aims to get people to enhance their skills in this area.
History of Effective Communications Month
People have been communicating in some way, shape, or form for centuries and we see this evidence all around us. Morse code — a code used for sending messages, where each letter and number is represented by short dashes or dots — is one of the earliest examples of technological communication.
The first written forms of communication in the world can be seen on drawings that were recorded on the mediums of that time — animal skins, cave walls, pottery, and wood. This communication consisted of representations of daily life such as hunting, food, and later, religion.
Communication has always seen innovation, right from the humble telegraph. History shows us how technological communication has evolved and become increasingly effective to bring us to the digital era we live in today. It began with the invention of the personal computer and, later, the creation of the cell phone. Today’s communication sees people frequently turning to apps and social media, making it trickier to gauge the effectiveness of modern communication, however.
Effective Communications Month timeline
Marks and symbols show us that written forms of communication have been around for a very long time.
The ancient Egyptians use special symbols called hieroglyphs to write on stone, metal tablets, or papyrus (paper made from plant fibers).
American artist and inventor Samuel F.B. Morse invents the Morse code system — an international variant is devised years later.
America starts using the Pony Express to transport mail.
Alexander Graham Bell invents the first working telephone.
Alexander Graham Bell co-founds the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, which is responsible for building long-distance telephone lines.
Roy Tomlinson sends the first message between two computers, or email, as we now call it.
Martin Cooper, who is a Motorola researcher and engineer, places a call to Dr. Joel S. Engel — this is the very first mobile telephone call.
A small firm called MITS makes the very first personal computer, named the Altair — but it is not very popular.
The Osborne Computer Corporation creates a laptop computer for the public called the Osborne 1 — its keyboard is on the lid of the laptop and its screen is five inches long.
NCR Corporation with AT&T invents the precursor to WiFi as we know it, called WaveLAN.
Mark Zuckerberg launches Facebook, completely changing the way we see communication.
Effective Communications Month FAQs
What are the three elements of effective communication?
Every human communication interaction, be it face-to-face, written, by telephone, or by other means, has three critical components: Sending Communication, Receiving Communication, and Feedback.
Who helped us communicate?
Major pioneers in the communication field include Alexander Graham Bell, Martin Cooper, Vic Hayes, and Mark Zuckerburg. Because of these people, we are able to communicate in many innovative ways.
How do you achieve effective communication?
Maintain a practice of listening to others and learn to speak non-verbally. too. Another key principle is to know your audience before engaging in communication.
How To Celebrate Effective Communications Month
Learn to communicate better
What do you do for Effective Communications Month? You learn better ways to communicate, of course! Take professional courses in business communication for your professional relationships, master the art of thinking before speaking to nurture personal relationships, and generally improve your skills with various fun exercises like repeating tongue twisters or singing along to complicated lyrics.
Organize a 'communication' themed day
Pick a day to host special virtual or offline communication-related events with loved ones. Hold special readings, tongue twister competitions, and other fun activities. Put out communication-themed food too, and encourage people to contribute with their own dishes.
Participate in local events
Plenty of activities and groups are continually working towards enhancing communication skills and raising awareness about communication deficits. Look out for local events, workshops, and communities celebrating communication, and see how you could join these. You can even create your own event or group.
5 Fun Facts About Communication
Morse code love
American inventor Thomas Edison proposed to his second wife in Morse code — he had taught her this code so they could communicate in secret while her family was around.
Hearing bee-yond elephants' trumpets
Elephants are so terrified of bees that they even have a special communication that means, “Run away, the bees are angry.”
Unique ways of communication
Apparently, lobsters communicate by squirting urine at each other.
Can you say this quickly?
This tongue twister is said to be the toughest one in the English language; "The sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick".
So many languages to communicate in
There are more than 6,000 spoken languages around the world — the citizens of Papua New Guinea alone speak around 800 different languages.
Why We Love Effective Communications Month
It gives us a voice
Learning about ways to improve our speaking and listening skills teaches us to use our voice. We all benefit from the added confidence such improved skills provide us; maybe we can even lend our voice to bigger causes.
It raises awareness about the importance of communication
We always knew communication was important. However, Effective Communications Month teaches us to value the skills we have already developed, and promotes new ways to improve them. The emphasis on this month brings communication awareness to the forefront of our consciousness, which is always a good thing.
It creates new bonds and enhances old ones
Communication is the cornerstone to developing strong relationships in every aspect of our lives. Naturally, with better communication skills, our relationships grow that much stronger too!
Effective Communications Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June 1 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 1 | Thursday |
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