What are the Factors of Effective Communication?
What are the factors of effective communication?
The factors of effective communication are:
- Clear thought.
- Specific words.
- Empathetic listening.
- Positive intentions.
Clear thought.
We communicate thoughts. So, the precondition of effective communication is clear thought. The rule my granny used to tell me was, "Think before you speak!".
Don't just say whatever pops into your head, without thinking about its possible consequences.
Before you speak, ask yourself, "What specifically do I really mean, and what is the best way to say it?"
Specific words.
Any thought can be expressed in multiple ways. The rule to remember is to choose specific words, over vague or ambiguous words.
Don't say, "See you later", instead say, "See you at three o clock, tea break"
Don't say, "He was unprofessional", instead say, "He swore in the meeting, in front of clients."
In relation to communication, clarity is a virtue, vagueness is a vice.
Empathic listening.
Humans are egocentric; we all tend to see the world from our own perspective. Empathetic listening means being willing to drop our own ego and temporarily see the world as another person. Try to see things from the other's perspective. You don't have to agree with other people, but you should try to at least understand them. And that requires empathy.
Positive intentions.
To do well in life, we need to gain the willing cooperation of others. In order to gain their WILLING cooperation, operate from a moral base of "positive intention".
In relation to others, there are three positions you can take:
- You could try to ADD VALUE to them.
- You could NOT try to add value to them. (You leave them unmoved).
- You can try to devalue them.
Effective communication comes from actively trying to add value to the lives of others.
Never do or say anything that is intended to devalue others.
Try to do more than leave people untouched by your words.
Try to lift people's spirits, and make them feel better about the current situation, by communicating to them with a positive intent.
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Definition: effective communication
Context: Business Genus: skill Differentia: 1. Starts with clear thought. 2. Uses specific, exact words. 3. Listens with empathy to the other person. 4. Aims to add value with positive intent.
Show CG4D Definition
- Starts with clear thought
- Uses specific, exact words
- Listens with empathy to the other person
- Aims to add value with positive intent
Article Summary
Think clearly, choose exact words, listen with empathy and speak with positive intent; follow these four factors and you turn vague talk into clear action that saves time, builds trust and lifts results for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What are the four factors of effective communication?
How does clear thought improve communication at work?
What tip helps me pick specific words for clarity?
What are empathetic listening skills?
Why is positive intention communication important?
Can you give an example of clarity versus vagueness?
How do I add value through communication?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
A 2024 Grammarly and Harris Poll study of 1,001 office staff found workers lose an average of 7.5 hours each week correcting unclear messages – almost one full work day. Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2023 report shows teams with clear and open communication gain 18% higher productivity and 23% lower staff turnover than those with weak communication.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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