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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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.

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.

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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 NLP Meta Model - Clear Thinking, Clear Communication
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• Delivering Effective Customer Service
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• How to improve the way I speak
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• Communication Skills: Clear Thinking
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• How to be a better communicator
  Learn four steps to be a better communicator: focus on clear goals, use specific language, give logical reasons and stay polite to boost cooperation today.
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