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.

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.