In a changing world like ours, Communication can stand as a compelling link that bridges the gap between parties by pulling them together to share and accept their perspectives on any subject presented before them.
The purpose of this piece is to ensure our ability to imply the basic principles of an effective communication. To ensure we recognize the elements of effective communication and apply the rule that follows. I'll also justify most of my points with what I term as a ‘rule’ to point out some sort of recommendations that'll help in achieving what's sensed to be right.
There are two types of languages, that is the ‘toned time language’ and the ‘stress timed language’. The toned time language lays equal emphasis on syllables and every word while stress time language lay emphasis and stress on key words in a sentence.
The 4 Key Elements of Communication
- The sender
- The message
- The receiver
- Feedback
1. The Sender:
The responsibility of a sender is to create the message and express it clearly. As a sender, you should make sure the communication is effective. It is important that when you send a message and get a feedback, it tells if the receiver understands the message or not, and that tells if it is effective. The rule of a sender is that whatever meaning you give to your message is the real idea of the message.
2. The Receiver:
As a receiver, learn to take notes and always ask for clarity whenever a message is not clear to you. Your feedback tells the sender your understanding of the message and so is important because there are instances where different people would understand a message differently. This will help align the understanding of the parties involved. The receiver's rule is to ensure you understand the message clearly or seek clarification when necessary.
3. The Message:
The rule of the message is to ensure that the words or signs you use in your communication match the capacity of the receiver. Avoid complexity and ambiguity, they are common barriers to an effective communication.
4. Feedback:
It is a response that shows the communication process is complete. It usually comes from the receiver to the sender, the sender can tell if the receiver got the message as sent or if there is need for further clarity. The rule is never to send a message and run because without feedback, there is no effective communication.
As a sender or receiver, ensure there is a feedback to complete the communication process. The fact that someone is quiet does not mean the person is listening to you, always seek for a feedback.
Guidelines to Effective Communication
Noise: it could be physical like the cry of a baby, automobile sounds or psychological noise like something going on in the mind; it could be positive or negative. The rule is that the sender should take care of physical or psychological noise (or both) before communicating to ensure a smooth transfer of idea.
The belief you have about someone or something can affect the communication process positively or negatively, endeavour to respect others' beliefs.
Perception: Pay attention to people’s mood and point of view when sending a message. The rule is that while you take the circumstances of a message into consideration, ensure your perception does not alter the intentions and true meaning of the message.
Cultural Differences: it is essential that you learn to adapt to the culture of an organisation or environment and be sensitive to the use of words and their meanings. Words are not enough, actions and words complement each other for communication to be effective. The rule is that you get sensitive to culture. Do not super impose your culture on the environment. Adapt to the culture of your present environment. In order words, watch your actions and make sure it conforms with the doings of the locality you find yourself.
Oral Communication
There are two types of speakers; the demagogue and the orator. Demagogue speakers have actions in them, they speak well but you do not get anything out of what they have said. But the orators have fancy words and leaves you with lessons, you learn a lot from what they say.
Anybody can start a conversation but communication requires a feedback or response, people who initiate a conversation without a feedback do not initiate communication.
Keys to Effective Communication
Audibility and Clarity
Project your voice but do not shout, use energy from the inside. We communicate strength, power and confidence when we project and give power to the voice. Clarity in spoken communication has to do with articulating your words, using the appropriate rhythm to every word in a sentence.
Correct Grammar
Grammar refers to the rules that govern a language. By listening to the sound of words one could tell whether it is correct or not, correct sentences is not based on sounds, it is based on rules. Errors in grammar can dent our credibility.
This is just a few, you can always look out for more, learn from them and act as it is instructed. We communicate everyday of our lives and we need to do that correctly to save us from the aftermath of misapplication.
I hope you find this useful, this is part of my job and I've choose to break boundaries and implement it globally. Let's keep the bubbles popping by powering the steam more.
Picture from Pixabay