The moment listening becomes an act to understand rather than an act done to reply, we solve a major problem in the history of communication Ajayi Joy (Oyiza)
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Communication as a subject matter is a topic as vast as the sea. It has been in constant use as long as the existence of man. Since the inception and advent of creation, mankind in a bid to converse, pass across information, and express emotions have constantly searched for arbitrary means to communicate and have their feelings made known. Communication is a process or means of sending, or receiving information through verbal or nonverbal means, this exchange of information can be through speaking, writing, or any other medium. There are various reasons communication is to be taken seriously, especially in the corporate world where clients are to be influenced by communicative strategies.
Today’s article would expose you to series of skills needed in our day-to-day quest for effective human interaction as there are highlights to look out for before a communication cycle can be regarded as effective.
When does Communication become effective?
When a thing is said to be effective it utterly means that it is significant and has active impacts. Effective communication just as referred to is when communication is effective. It is the process by which the sender’s message is delivered successfully, received and understood. A message cannot be said to be effective if there is no feedback from the receiver to indicate that the message has been understood. That is, conversation is termed effective if both parties involved in the exchange of the information assign same meaning. Being effective in communication business wise indicates that the data and knowledge disseminated among the employers must contribute immensely to the commercial growth of the firm. We have all in one way or the other suffered from ineffective, disengaging communications, yet this errors remain reoccurring.
COMMON ERRORS MADE IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY COMMUNICATION
In any given communication there are key components that makeup the communication cycle. There is the sender, receiver, message, and feedback which is more like an interpretation derived from the message passed across. The sender is the originator and initiator of the message while the receiver is one who responds to the message sent. He can decode the message encoded by the sender. The sender conveys an idea, he/she then seeks to express a certain thought or information of which the receiver gets the message. Even with the best intentions and motives, communication can be hampered she certain mistakes are made which can lead to negative effect. Before we go in-depth into effective communication. These are common errors, omissions, misleadings and mistakes that people make which hinder their conversations from being effective:
- Not listening: Being a listener is one effective way to communicate, you as a sender or receiver have to listen. It is through the process of listening that u can decode the message in which the sender has transmitted.
2. Interrupting the speaker: This act is not considered reasonable as the intention of the speaker at that point in time can be lost through distraction. In the process of communication, it is very much advisable for both parties to be patient with their responses and feedback.
3. Assumption of what is to be said: ‘I know what he’s about to say’ has to be one of the lead mistakes made by people during conversations.
4. Misinterpreting the message: When the recipient of the message aka, the receiver misunderstands or misinterpreted the message, it is regards as a communication issue. And this can promote conflict, discord, confrontation and arguments since the message had been misinterpreted.
5. Not proofreading or editing your work: Communication is said to be passed through writing or verbally. When messages are passed across through writing. It is advisable that the sender proofreads and edits before hitting ‘send’because it becomes too late to create any adjustments or amendments.
6. Not asking for feedback: It is a different thing to effectively pass your message across while it’s a different ball game to ensure that it has been rightly interpreted. The right interpretation propels correct and modified feedback.
Functions of Effective Communication
The functions of effective communication is depicted in the diagram below
Key in the corporate world: Communication brings about an increase in sale. With an effective communication it is a stepping stone when a target audience can be convinced and persuaded to patronize your services. Negotiations come easy when you can communicate easily. In the corporate world, effective communication aids employee’s drive to connect with others and improve their problem solving capability.
Key to motivation: Communication functions as an idea for motivation. This is when communication is used in a persuasive state to change the receiver’s mind about something. We communicate to attract, motivate and guide people on how to achieve certain determined goals.
Information: The idea of information is to ensure that data is provided and details needed about specifics is given. When we communicate we are at that very moment passing out an information or relevant details of a subject matter.
Control: Communication can also be used as a medium to issue out orders, regulation and a form of control over people’s behavior or view. Parents, through communication, have found ways to reprimand or guide a child. In school Teachers use to instruct and install new values in you.
Social Interation: In so many ways communication has served as foundation for sustaining a relationship. Through communication and social interaction we can build up social status and prestige. Communication even help us understand the inward part of ourselves, and creates a podium for self-examination. Nonverbally through body language for instance a person can pass the information of not wanting to communicate.
Effective Communicative skills
These doesn’t just involve the way and manner in which words are used, it pertains to what skills to possess before you can be said to have effectively communicated.
- Writing: This entails the use of written language to convey ideas, theories, messages and information
2. Body language: This is an ability to understand your body gesticulation and thereby use it in a way to pass information. It is when physical gestures or body movements are used to convey a message.
3. Listening: This skill is the ability to enjoy listening effectively, it makes messages easy to understand and comprehend.
4. Public Speaking: This is an operational scale, a process of communicating to an audience. It is a skill because it is perfectly structured to inform, persuade or entertain.
