|
|
Get The Results You Desire With Effective Communication
A common definition of communication is:
"the transmission of meaning to others".
However, "the meaning of communication is the response you get" more appropriately describes an effective transmission of our messages.
Suppose we tell our spouse we love them, yet instead of being happy they get upset or hostile. Or we request our business partner be more productive with their time, yet they laugh as they press the button to start another 'game' on their computer.
The fact is, our communication was more than likely the trigger to these adverse results without our knowing it or being our purposeful intention. Therefore it is important the other person understands what we want them to understand, and that they understand the intended meaning that is being transferred.
More precisely, purposeful communication is the transmission of intended meaning to others, in other words, the sender of the communication must have a clear knowledge and understanding of the meaning he or she wishes to convey. By retaining responsibility and by changing our actions, we can change our communication.
A most common cause of misunderstanding or miscommunication arises from assuming that the words we use (a label) is the object. Two people can then be arguing about a concept, referring to it by using the same word, arguing because this word means something different to each of them.
The importance of the words we use for communication are key if our messages are to be transmitted effectively.
For communication to be meaningful, the words used must establish the same thought or reference in both the sender and receiver. Words vary considerably with regards to their value for communication as they differ in their level of abstraction. The greater the level of abstraction, the less meaning they have.
Four categories of words will affect the effectiveness of our communication. For example,
- Labels or objects include words such as chair, table and car and are easily recognizable
- Events such as 'party' or 'sale' might not be so similarly perceived by both the sender and receiver as these can imply both action and time
- Groups or generalizations include such words as furniture, resources, neighbours or employees. Usually not specific i.e. an employee could be full time, part time, male, female, professional, non professional, skilled, unskilled, single married etc.
- Value judgements or ideology words include more descriptive words such as beautiful, necessary, valuable, truth and individuals may widely differ in their personal perception of such words
In fact, it is the sender of the communication that holds the power to change the result we produce.
The following 5 tips are vital elements to ensure messages are being transmitted clearly.
1. Establish rapport with the other person
2. Have your own ideas clear before attempting to communicate them
3. Be clear about the purpose of the communication e.g. it's purpose could be to inform others, to obtain information or to initiate action
4. Be clear and specific with your language, being aware of the level of abstraction of the words
5. Have the other person repeat what you have said, in his or her own words.
Understand that to communicate effectively and get the desired results, the sender must determine the purpose of the communication and use words, gestures, and patterns which have the same meaning for sender and receiver.
About the Author Discover the methods used by Danette Hibberd, Success Coach, on how you can use effective communication skills to get what you want - every time. Get your copy today at Effective-Communication
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 165 | |
|
| More Articles from Tools and Resources | | |
| Top Articles in Tools and Resources | | |
|
