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.
Communication Skills Training
If you would like to learn more about communicating effectively, please take a look at our Communication Skills Training Course - available as an open course, live online training or in-house training.
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?
Thought of something that's not been answered?
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.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
-
Define Your Key Terms
Define key terms to end vague talk, sharpen clear communication and set clarity you can measure. Use four questions to turn vague hopes into testable plans.
Read Article > -
How to Ask the Right Questions - Good communication skills
Learn how to ask the right questions with an easy two-set method that sharpens communication skills, builds trust and helps teams solve problems 28% faster.
Read Article > -
How to improve the way you speak
Discover 10 steps to improve the way you speak, expand vocabulary, enunciate words and sound confident. Boost your career with better communication skills.
Read Article > -
Communication Methods
Learn why communication skills training hinges on objective language. Drop emotive red-rag words, listen well and win cooperation, time and staff engagement.
Read Article > -
What are good communication skills?
Learn good communication skills fast: define unclear words, match audience knowledge and trim data overload. Boost clarity and test yourself in our quick quiz.
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 7 days, Birmingham, places available