What are the Factors of Effective Communication?

What are the factors of effective communication?

The factors of effective communication are:

1. Clear thought.
2. Specific words.
3. Empathetic listening.
4. 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:

1. You could try to ADD VALUE to them.
2. You could NOT try to add value to them. (You leave them unmoved).
3. 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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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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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

• The Importance of Communication Skills
  Use these three simple tips, to make sure that you communicate your message to others, in such a way as to gain their co-operation and agreement.
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• Notes on winning by Arnold Schwarzenegger
  It's about living. Not just existing! Wise words from one of the most successful people in the world.
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• Four Steps to Improve Your Communication Skills
  The ability to communicate well is a vital life skill. In business, being able to communicate your goals to others, clearly, logically and specifically is vital if you are are to succeed.
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• What are the Factors of Effective Communication?
  Being able to communicate effectively is vital to achieving your goals, as well as fostering good working relationships with colleagues. Great communication at work will benefit the sharing of creative ideas and problem solving.
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• How to improve the way I speak
  How to improve the way I speak It is important to be able to speak and to write clearly. One of the biggest mistakes you can make, at work, is to use ambiguous language. It is especially naughty to give ambiguous instructions. An ambiguous instruction is any instruction that is so...
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