For those
whose vocation is writing-intensive, such as journalists, academics,
secretaries, etc the command of a superb language mechanics is a great
determinant of their success at the workplace as well as the prestige ascribed
to them by their publics. People like Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, J.P. Clark,
Ayo Banjo, Reuben Abati, Dare Babarinsa, are few among the contemporary people
who have attained international prominence through their writing skills.
Students in
academic institutions, especially those in the humanities, also need a good
command of language to enhance their grades. Therefore, it behoves anyone whose
line has anything to do with writing to hone his writing skill by reading and
writing regularly.
CONCLUSION
So far we have
considered the various ways we can use the four communication skills to achieve
personal development, which is the key to success, excellence and greatness. In
the words of Riley, as documented by Tracy (2004):
By
engaging in continuous self-improvement, you can put yourself behind the wheel
of your own life. By dedicating yourself to enhancing your earning ability, you
will automatically be engaging in the continuous process of personal
development. By learning more, you prepare yourself to earn more. You position
yourself for tomorrow by developing the knowledge and skills that you need to
be a valuable and productive part of …(the) economy, no matter which direction
it goes.
This
is a final word to underscore the role of personal development in attaining
your dreams in life. There is no shortcut to earning more, becoming more and
achieving greatness except to follow the route of disciplined and sustained
investment in the self. Any attempt to go it otherwise will only be like trying
to beat the devil to his own game. And this reminds me of the story of the man
who did just that.
Some
time ago, the devil compiled a list of one thousand people who were due for
death because of their nefarious activities on earth. The number one person on
that list happened to be a notorious Nigerian fraudster (popularly known as
419), whose fraudulent records had no rival under heaven. After getting God’s
approval to execute the sinners, the devil went to the house of his first
victim and announced his mission there without much ado.
To
his utmost surprise, this fraudster did not betray any sign of fear nor plead
for mercy. Instead, he welcomed the devil most cheerfully and invited him to
sit down so that he could entertain him, as the august visitor that he was,
before he carries out his mission. Then the man served the devil several
bottles of beer and large portions of barbecues (suya), which he gulped down so
ravenously till he fell into a long sleep.
While
he was fast asleep, this fraudster quickly erased his name from the number one
position on the devil’s list and wrote it as the last name. Then he anxiously
waited for his visitor to wake up and discover his mistake.
After
several hours, the devil finally woke up and groggily looked around him in
confusion. Then his eyes centred on the
man standing beside him, and he smiled with pleasure. He said:
“My
friend, you surprised me a lot. I never knew human beings are capable of the
hospitality and generosity you have shown me today”. He placed his hand on the
man’s shoulder and gave him a friendly pat.
“Guess
what? I’m going to do you a big favour in return. I’ll give you enough time to
prepare yourself and put your house in order before I come for you. So I wont kill you now, instead I will start
my killing from the last name on my list” (Oladele,
unpublished).
