Communication skills are our ability to connect with those who are not us; to become part of the bigger collective genius. To feel humble enough to understand one is nothing compared to the giant machine of which we are individually just one cog. But to realise that by placing ourselves in the right place, we can harness the energy of this collective power and turn it into something incredible.

There are many skills to develop in order to become highly skilled communicators. These tend to spread across the categories below, but I have placed them where I think they fit best.

Partner

The majority seek their greatest connection with just one other. Effective communication is so complex and multifaceted that it makes perfect sense to try to achieve the ultimate bond with just one other. Monogamy and total life commitment is not unique among human but it is certainly one of our defining qualities.

We can make this skill more powerful by developing these qualities:

• Flirting
• Intimacy
• Emotional Understanding

Social

Friendship is a wonderful thing, but too often it is taken for granted. If we work on it, put some energy into it, and try to become better friends ourselves, it will literally change your world.

A few important skills and qualities include:

• Small talk
• Storytelling
• Trust worthiness
• Honesty
• Generosity
• Genuine interest

Mentor

After our partners, our children or adopted children are our other closest bond. Whereas you grow with your partner, your children mostly learn from you. Usually this is the most powerful role you will take as a mentor.

Mentoring is possibly the greatest way that you can live on past death. But, at the same time, one also learns humility when we realise we cannot dictate our pupil's final form; but simply act as a guide.

Important skills include:

• Teaching
• Leadership

Pupil

Just as you will take the role of teaching your wisdom, you will also want to learn from others. The most successful people tend to seek out mentors throughout their lives, while the more stubborn minded try to do it all on their own.

Some of the important skills are:

• Questioning
• Learning how to learn
• Research
• Faith in mentor

Team Member

This is where most enterprise happens. But anyone who has attended a meeting will know how bad communication can stifle enterprise. Improve communication between groups and you improve the quality and quantity of your output.

• Leadership
• Team skills
• Sales skills
• Networker
• Sounding board
• Motivator
• Debater
• Humility

Mass Communicator

This is a relatively new form of communication and it is still evolving. Technologies such as the printing press, film, television, radio and, of course, the Internet have changed the world. A great communicator will learn to embrace it.

The trend has seen each technology's beginnings accompanied by a few stars; a select few who seem to make their break on the new medium. But as the technology grows, it becomes increasingly available for the masses and more and more people start to find their niche. The stars still exist, but they share their space with a range of other mass communicators who have varying degrees of audience reach.

Your success in portraying your message to the masses will be enhanced if your possess the following skill set:

• Writer
• Public Speaker
• Marketer

Spiritual

There is a certain kind of connection with the greater world, which will make you feel as if you are one with the universe. This is perhaps the most difficult communication skill to develop, but will have a profound influence on the way you act in the world.