M1 - Learner Manual

7.1. What is communication? Why is it important?

We use communication skills in our everyday life. Sometimes we are unaware that we are communicating, as we use both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 

Communication helps us to say something, tell someone something, ask for some information or to get an idea across to someone else. It can also help us to understand what the other person is saying to us, what they need us to understand. 

Communication is a two-way street. Effective communication often requires both parties to be actively engaged in the process.

In the context of Advocacy, communication is an essential part of your work. You will need to effectively communicate with a range of people, including:

Your client

Court personnel

Departmental personnel

Your colleagues

Service providers 

Counsellors

Police Officers

Lawyers

Family members

Each situation will require you to draw on different communication skills. Think about who your audience is and ask yourself:

What do they need? 

Why are you communicating with them? 

What are you trying to achieve? 

Do you need more information? 

Where can you find that information? 

Do you need to speak to someone? 

Do you need to write to someone? 

What law is relevant? 

What human rights are relevant? 

What assistance do they need?

Thinking about all these questions will help you to target your communication so that you can achieve your goals, and ultimately assist your client with their goals. 

The following section of this Learner Guide provides further information on communication.