Which of the following components are essential to effective communication skills?

Effective communication skills are fundamentally based on the ability to convey thoughts clearly and understand others. Speaking and listening are key components in this process. Speaking allows an individual to articulate ideas, express needs, and engage in dialogue, ensuring that one can share their thoughts effectively. Listening, on the other hand, is equally crucial because it involves receiving and processing information shared by others. Good listening skills enable individuals to understand the context, respond appropriately, and engage in meaningful conversations.

The other components mentioned in the other options, such as reading and writing, do play important roles in communication, particularly in conveying messages through written forms. However, when it comes to interpersonal communication, speaking and listening remain the two cornerstones that facilitate real-time exchanges and interactions. Reflecting is a skill that can enhance understanding and interaction but is more of a subset of listening skills rather than a separate component like speaking. Therefore, the combination of speaking and listening is essential for effective communication.