In this modern world, where we live amid the buzzes of machines and beeps of cell phones, it has become imperative to strike a balance between merely communicating and communicating effectively in order to succeed in a fast changing cross commercial world. Communication today is the buzz word, and effective English communication skills have proved to be a passport to a plethora of opportunities around the globe. However, communication does not mean only expressing our idea, statements and grievances, but it also means effectively disseminating information. To say more precisely, communication is not constricted to language alone, rather its relevance necessitates it to include paralanguage in its ambit. The beauty and benignity of language that differentiates men from animals seeks its nuances in various paralinguistic features, and non-verbal attributes, like expression through face, eyes, space and time, in addition to vocal characteristics. This paper stresses the role and relevance of paralanguage in various communication situations.

English is an international language that sometimes lands the users in difficulty because of their lack of control over appropriate expression required. Since it has been accepted as a medium for handling all official purposes, whether in spoken or written form, it has become imperative to use it immaculately. The accuracy and authenticity in terms of its use depends largely on its communicative function. It is not an exaggeration to say that English has become a functional language. Therefore, the crucial responsibility of language teachers is to arm the learners not only with competence, but also with performance for using English.

With the rush of multinational companies, the expectations of job providers has shifted from content to quality. Our graduates and post graduates with thick testimonials often fail to chime in with the requirements of recruiters. Their inadequate spoken skills, fumbling for appropriate words, expressions without proper display of mood and lack of proper intonation disqualify many Indian students from the standards set by job providers.

The present paper aims at underlining the importance of paralanguage in communication. Paralanguage comprises the non-linguistic aspects of communication. Communication is not merely the use of words, but it also includes non-verbal cues, such as, pauses and silence, in addition to the demonstration of vocal characteristics viz., pitch, quality and volume. In a broader sense, various non-verbal cues also come under paralanguage, which of late has attained inevitable importance. Since job skills in the present day world include the ability of reasoning, problem solving and convincing strategies, candidates need to hone their English communication skills.

Soft Skills Journal, Effective English Communication, Multinational Companies, MNCs, English Communication Skills, Paralinguistic Features, Effective Speakers, Effective Communication, Non-verbal Communication, Group Discussions, Paralanguage, Social Interpretations.