The purpose of communication is to get your message across to others. This is a process that involves both the sender of the message and the receiver. This process leaves room for error, with messages often being misunderstood by one or more of the parties involved. This causes unnecessary confusion.
In fact, a message is successful only when both the sender and the receiver perceive (感知) it in the same way. By successfully getting your message across, you convey your thoughts and ideas effectively. When not successful, the thoughts and ideas that you convey do not necessarily reflect your own, causing a communication breakdown and creating roadblocks that stand in the way of your goals — both personally and professionally.
In a recent survey of recruiters (招募者) in companies with more than 50,000 employees, communication skills were cited as the single more important factor in choosing managers. The survey, conducted by the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Business School, points out that communication skills, including written and oral presentations, as well as an ability to work with others, are the main factors leading to job success.
In spite of the increasing importance placed on communication skills, many individuals continue to struggle with this, unable to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively — whether in oral or written form. This inability（无能） makes it nearly impossible for them to compete effectively in the workplace, and stands in the way of career progression. Getting your message across is essential to progressing. To do this, you must understand what your message is, what audience you are sending it to, and how it will be perceived. You must also weigh-in the circumstances surrounding your communication, such as situational and cultural context.
47. The underlined word “This” in the first paragraph refers to ______.
A. the purpose of communication
B. the process of getting your message across to others
C. the process of letting others know your purpose
D. the cause of unnecessary confusion
48. A communication failure occurs when ______.
A. the sender and the receiver understand the message in the same way
B. the receiver purposely understands the message wrong
C. the way you send the message creates problems with the receiver
D. the sender creates problems in a professional way
49. _______ make for job success.
A. Communication skills and ability to cooperate
B. Communication skills along with written presentations
C. Written presentations together with ability to work with others
D. The abilities to cooperate with others
50. What is the attitude of the writer towards the communication skills?
A. Neutral. B. Opponent. C. Supportive. D. Indifferent.
