Communication is an activity of sharing. Written, oral, and body language are important tools for sharing ideas, feelings, and thoughts. Each day people share and exchange huge amounts of information. However, effective communication requires understanding implied emotions in a piece of information and delivering negative messages without creating conflict or destroying trust. Effective communication combines a set of ten skills provided below. While communication is a learned skill, its practicing helps to build trust and respect, foster learning, and accomplish goals.
Be sure of what and why you wish to communicate.
Each participant of the communication act should select an objective that might help in the further selection of words and general behavior.
1) Be clear in the use of language.
In the communication process, a speaker should express herself as clearly as possible. Familiar and short words help to reach the objective of communication and to avoid shock and astonishment of a listener).
2) Watch how much you communicate.
This requires the timing of social responses. A communicator should know when to speak when to listen, when to interrupt or prompt, or when to take the lead or be led.
3) Use adequate medium.
Good communicators have self-awareness and are able to use this self-knowledge to present themselves to others. Selecting oral, written, or visual medium helps to achieve the objective of the communication act.
4) Provide the right climate.
Effective communication is based on both listening and speaking. To continue communication in a friendly tone, a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere is needed. That is why it is important to create an environment where communicators feel safe to express ideas, opinions, and feelings. For maintaining a safe climate, one should diffuse all negative emotions.
5) Listen attentively.
Active listening has several benefits. It saves time and helps to get more information with no need to repeat the message twice. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to assess a situation accurately. Speakers can clarify what they are saying and feel heard. Listening reduces emotions that block clear thinking. The key to effective listening is relaxed attention.
6) Watch out for unintentional communication.
In order to have a positive atmosphere, communicators should watch the tone of their voices, gestures, and facial expressions. Control of situations helps to minimize unintentional expressions.
7) Remember that communication is a two-way process.
Communication implies interaction between at least two people. It also suggests that the interaction is a two-way process, that the person sending the message receives some sort of feedback, even if it is non-verbal or even silent.
8) Be sure your actions do not contradict your communication.
When a speaker says or promises something, it should be accomplished. The actions of a speaker should reinforce what was said, not contradict it.
9) Provide communication training.
Oral and written communication skills need to be constantly improved. Excellent written and verbal skills are one of the keys to effective communication.
Effective communication requires both thinking and feeling. The age of modern technologies requires people to have not only speaking abilities. Listening to and understanding a communicator is also important. Communication is a continued and thoughtful exchange of information. It is a conversational practice. Training the communication skills is a key to effective communication which leads to personal success.