The table below gives the results of two surveys, in 1997 and 2006, in which people were asked which communication skills were essential in their jobs.A breakdown of communication skills that are important officially is depicted in the table. The data is from the two years running, between 1997 and 2006 and measured in percentage. Overall, it can be seen that, dealing with people, was the highest proportion while making speeches or presentations was the lowest during the period.
With regards to external communication, there were 60 percent people acknowledged that dealing with people was the most imperative ability at work in 1997. The figure experienced a five-percent increase ten years later. Whereas, more than a third considered that knowledge of particular products and advising customers are indispensable initially. The number rose to 41 and 39 percent for both categories respectively. However, the percentage in selling product had not changed as much over a one-decade period.
Turning to internal communication, there was a considerable number of worker feel that listening to colleagues carefully is crucial, at 38 percent in the beginning. The number inclined to approximately 50 percent . While the figure for instructing people and analiyzing problems together witnessed roughly an increase of 5 percent. The minority considered that planning the activity and making speeches and presentations also important, at 15 and 11 percent eventually.
