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Tips to Guarantee Effective Communication
To achieve your desired results, it is paramount that you communicate effectively.
A popular definition of communication is:
"the transmission of meaning to others".
Yet, "the meaning of communication is the response you get" more clearly defines an effective transmission of our messages.
Have you ever intended to say something pleasant to someone yet be surprised with a negative response from them? Perhaps you've told your spouse you love them, yet instead of being happy they get upset. Maybe your partner has mentioned to you that your outfit looks a little tight, intending his comment purely as an observation. However, you immediately react by assuming he has told you that you have put on weight, are too fat and even ugly.
The fact is, the communication was more than likely the trigger to these adverse results without purposeful intention. It is therefore important the other person understands what we want them to understand, and that they understand the intended meaning that is being transferred.
To be precise, 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. And transmit the message with clarity. As the sender, by retaining responsibility and by changing our actions, we can affect the results of our communication.
To send messages clearly, note the following 5 tips:
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
5. Have the other person repeat what you have said, in his or her own words.
A major cause of misunderstanding or miscommunication arises from assuming that the words (label) we use is the object. Two people may be arguing about a concept, referring to it by using the same word, but be debating because this word means something different to each of them.
Thus, be aware of the importance of the words we use for communication if we wish to achieve our desired results.
If our communication is to be meaningful, both the sender and receiver must establish the same thought or reference in the words being used. 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 or specificity they have.
The effectiveness of our communication is affected via four categories of words, such as objects, events, groups and value judgements. Each person has their own perception of what is real to them, and it is the use of these words, and our intended meaning of these words that ultimately determines the level of acceptance of non-acceptance of our message.
These categories are simplified below.
- Labels or objects include words such as chair, table and car and are specific and are easily recognizable by most people
- 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, scenery, resources, neighbours or employees. Usually not specific i.e. furniture could mean new tables, old chairs, rocking chairs, dining tables, coffee tables, sofas, beds, rugs etc.
- Value judgements or ideology words include more descriptive words such as beautiful, handsome, necessary, valuable, truth and individuals may widely differ in their personal perception of such words. What one individual perceives as valuable, may not be in line with another's view.
In fact, it is the sender of the communication that holds the power to change the result that is produced.
Understand that to communicate effectively and get the results we desire, the sender must determine the purpose of the communication and use appropriate communication elements of words, gestures, voice qualities, physiology and patterns which have a common meaning for both the 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
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