THE NEED FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

Communication is central to the day-to-day running of organizations. No organization can function or survive without one form of communication or the other. Thus, the effectiveness of a public organization in delivering its schedules depends on decisions taken through a series of channels of communication, which may be written, verbal, visual, or documentary form. Rules are set, decisions taken and goals implemented and achieved through effective communication. The difference between the success and failure of organizations is in effective communication. This paper discusses the numerous means of communication, such as letter writing, minuting, minute recording, memorandum, briefs, visual and communication audio, etc. used in the public service. It recommends for the public servant use simple and precise messages (either written, visual or verbal) that can be understood by the receiver/reader. The paper discourages complicated communication by using jargon or rhetorical statements. The argument is that simplicity and concise messaging are essential to public service communication