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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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication
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Learn to Spot Logical Lies
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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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Management training and advanced communication skills
Management training and advanced communication skills Management training is about improving the performance of oneself and others. In order to do that, you need people to develop themselves. But asking a person to engage in an act of self-development means asking them to change; and many people don't like the idea...
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