P.V. Laxmiprasad
Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing (LSRW) constitute an important phase in the life of a person. Right from the moment of birth, communication becomes essential for survival. LSRW skills are crucial for learning any language. In fact, language development takes place through these four lifelong skills. They are part and parcel of human life.
The first skill, Listening, is natural and begins even in infancy, helping a child to identify and follow their mother. When an infant responds to their mother's voice or follows her footsteps, these are vital moments of learning. Learning truly starts with listening. We learn more from listening than from any other skill. Listening to others is always a blessing in disguise.
Successful people are often those who learn by listening to great orators. Listening occupies the largest share among the four skills. It is rightly said: "If you are a good listener, you will be a good speaker, and if you are a good reader, you will be a good writer." The biggest communication problem is that we do not listen to understand; we listen to reply.
Through active listening, students learn from their teachers. Even in noisy environments like railway stations, passengers listen attentively to train announcements. The impact of listening, directly or indirectly, influences people. Even listening to an irritating phone conversation can convey volumes. From listening, we move to speaking—first with two-letter or simple words.
Infants begin to speak only after their vocal cords develop. Speaking is a dynamic skill. Children born with no or underdeveloped vocal cords may struggle with speech or may not speak at all. Observing two deaf and mute individuals communicating reveals the importance of vocal ability. Speaking involves multitasking. A speaker becomes a master or a public orator through sufficient reading.
Speaking is vital for expressing thoughts, building relationships, fostering personal and professional growth, and enabling effective communication in all aspects of life. It boosts confidence, improves critical thinking, enhances career prospects, and allows individuals to influence and connect with others. Mastering the skill of speaking helps you share ideas clearly, solve problems, and achieve goals in both personal and professional environments.
Strong speaking skills have a significant impact on career opportunities. Many professions require effective verbal communication for interviews, meetings, and networking. Students who can present their ideas confidently have a competitive edge in the job market and are better suited for leadership roles.
Aristotle, for example, read thousands of books on his journey to becoming an accomplished personality. This leads us to the next skill: Reading, which emphasizes in-depth and passive understanding. A student preparing for exams should practice passive reading. Reading aloud often leads to forgetting the content quickly.
Even great orators prepare their speeches on paper and read them before an audience. Critics, in turn, listen carefully and may point out deviations or lapses. Thus, reading is a prerequisite for excellence in many fields. Professionals like doctors, lawyers, and teachers must possess excellent reading skills to thrive in their careers. Reading is not a skill that can be acquired overnight.
The habit of reading increases our knowledge and makes us more intellectual and sensible. With this essay on the importance of reading, we aim to highlight the many benefits and advantages reading brings to our lives.
It takes years of effort to become a skilled reader. From reading, we graduate to Writing—a matured and advanced skill. Not everyone is gifted in writing. Writing for daily needs differs from creative writing, which demands more reading and greater commitment.
Writing is essential for self-expression, preserving thoughts and memories, clear communication, achieving personal goals, and success in academics and careers. It enhances critical thinking, builds credibility, fosters understanding, and creates a lasting legacy. From personal journals to professional reports, writing is a fundamental and valuable skill for navigating and advancing in life.
Good writing skills are especially expected from candidates appearing for the Civil Services Mains Exam. Only those who write well can impress the examiners. The art of writing is a jewel in the crown of a few gifted individuals. Creative writers and journalists, in particular, need excellent writing skills to captivate their readers. Reading and writing are highly matured skills that require constant practice to master.
Thus, LSRW skills are both foundational and refined. Nurturing them is a diligent and continuous exercise.
Note: The author has 44 books to his credit in English Literature.
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