What are Good Communication Skills?
What are good communication skills?
Communication may be defined as "the accurate transfer of information and / or emotion from one mind to another".
Good communication skills are defined as those techniques that allow for accurate transfer of information.
Communication skills fall into three main categories:
- Linguistic (speaking and writing).
- Voice tonality.
- Body language and appearance.
This blog focuses on speaking and writing skills.
In any communication there is always the risk of misunderstanding between the transmitter of the message and the receiver. This misunderstanding may be due to a variety of factors.
1. Avoid the use of ambiguous language
Ambiguous language is where words that may be interpreted in more than one way. An example of an ambiguous phrase is, "as soon as possible" or "ASAP".
Where the transmitter intends a particular word to be interpreted one way, yet the receiver interprets the same word in a different way, a misunderstanding occurs.
The communication skill is to minimise the risk of misinterpretation, by always defining any ambiguous term.
2. Do not assume prior knowledge
The transmitter may assume too much prior knowledge in the mind of the reader, and thus relies on an intellectual context that is not present. The transmitter therefore leaves more questions than answers in the mind of the receiver, leaving the receiver confused and slightly depressed at their lack of understanding.
The communication skill to master is to write according to your prospective readers knowledge base, not your own.
3. Don't overwhelm with too much information
The transmitter may overload the receiver, by providing too much information too quickly. It is essential to bear in mind that the human mind is limited in its ability to process information. Most people can retain only approximately seven pieces of information in their short-term memory, before the memory is full and the person suffers cognitive overload. The transmitter unwittingly violates the rules of epistemology and exceeds the capacity of the receiver's short-term memory to process information.
The communication skill to master is: Don't overload the reader with too much information in any one sentence.
Reduce the load on the readers short term memory.
Three communication skills for you to master.
1. To minimise the risk of misinterpretation, always define any ambiguous term. (Further reading: How language causes confusion)
2. Use your readers knowledge-base as your frame of reference.
3. Don't overwhelm people with too much information. Reduce the load on their short term memory.
Communication Skills Quiz
How would you rate your communication skills? Try our fun communication quiz and see where your strengths lie.
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.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication
-
Learn to Spot Logical Lies
Don't let your thoughts and actions be governed by logical fallacies. Some people may use them to mislead you, or as a simple mistake. Learn to identify them so that you can be prepared to spot them.
Read Article > -
Advanced Communications Skills
Advanced Communications Skills Advanced Communications Skills - Choose your words carefully Mr Bond, they may be your last! It is possible to mess up BIG TIME, in the blink of an eye, by the clumsy use of language. Words have power. This power can make you more successful or it can...
Read Article > -
Communication skills for trainers or presenters
Communication skills for trainers or presenters As a trainer or presenter: You have three major goals. To make your messages and material: 1. Informative 2. Enjoyable 3. Memorable Let us look at each in turn: Informative Your delegate must find your material informative. In order for that to happen, you must...
Read Article > -
What are good communication skills?
In most areas of your life, the ability to communicate effectively is key to your success. Here are three tips to consider and put into practice today. Try our communication skills quiz to see where your strengths lie.
Read Article > -
How to Communicate More Clearly
Don't run the risk of being misunderstood. Improve your chances of success, in both your career and personal relationships, with these four simple but effective ways, to improve your communication technique.
Read Article >
Looking for Communication Skills Training?
If you're looking to develop your Clear Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 24 days, Online - Teams, places available