Effective Communication

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Effective Communication

Being able to communicate effectively is essential in any environment with human interactions. Many relationships have been strengthened through the practice of effective communication skills.

In every conversation there are two parties present, the person giving the message (the sender) and the person(s) receiving the information (the receiver). We can say a conversation or a communication is effective if the intended message from the sender is successfully delivered, and understood by the receiver. In certain circumstances, we would add the point, ‘acted upon’, by the receiver.

What goes into Effective Communication?

Effective Communication is a broad subject. The following 7 (seven) points below are a good starting point for anyone wishing to develop / enhance their communication skills.

Planning

As with everything, proper planning is important. It will help immensely if you spend some time considering the following points before you hold your conversation:

  • Be clear on what you hope to achieve by giving your message – Message Purpose
  • Consider the person(s) who is(are) to receive your information; understand what is important to them, think about how best you can present your information, so it is well received- Research your Audience
  • Think about the best communication medium you would use. For example, would it be via face-to-face, over the telephone, email, presentation, and so forth – Message Medium
  • Consider an appropriate time to deliver your message. What time works best for both parties?

Rapport

Establishing rapport in a conversation helps to build trust, creates a common ground for the conversation and encourages mutual attentiveness, positivity, and coordination between the people conversing. Rapport is all about establishing an emotional connection with someone; it is your ability to relate to others in a way that creates trust and mutual understanding. Sometimes rapport happens naturally, and it is very easy to build rapport with someone who shares much of your interest or is very much like you.

Empathy

Empathy requires that you see things from the perspective of others. It is putting yourself in the other person’s shoes so you can understand where the other person is coming from and respecting that view even if it is totally different from yours.

Listening

The key here is to listen to understand. It requires both parties in the conversation to give their full attention to what is being said. One may ask questions, clarify points, or even rephrase what is said to check their understanding. It is also important that you are interested in what the other person is saying to you. You should endeavour to give them the space to talk, listen to understand and respond appropriately.

Message is Clear & Concise

Information that is clear and concise enhances the clarity and cohesion of the message. This avoids confusion and the receiver is more likely to understand what you are saying. So, keep your message brief, straight to the point and use plain language.

Be Personable

In any communication it is crucial to set the right tone. A friendly tone will usually encourage others to communicate with you.

Engage your Audience

In planning your talk, think of ways you can grasp the attention of your audience; ways to involve your audience e.g. activities, Q & A, mini competitions etc.

A Short Reflection Activity

  1. Consider a conversation you have had where you felt listened to:
    How did that make you feel?
    What exactly did the other person(s) do?
    How likely are you to engage in a conversation with the person(s) again?
  2. Now consider the opposite situation, a conversation you have had where you didn’t feel listened to:
    How did that make you feel?
    What exactly did the other person(s) do?
    How likely are you to engage in a conversation with the person(s) agian?

The ability to speak effectively is a skill that anyone can learn or enhance. A lot of good can come out of the practice of effective communication skills in any given environment.

Many relationship types could be enhanced through the practice of effective communications, such as:
 Family relationships
 Business relationships
 Friendships
 Co-worker relationships
 Acquaintanceships

We can support teams and individuals to develop and enhance their effective communication skills. To find out how we can help you and/ or your team to communicate more effectively, get in touch today.

Priscilla Hackman-Asamoah

Priscilla Hackman-Asamoah

My mission is to help you create effective and efficient ways of working to achieve your desired results. To see if you could benefit from our dedicated 1-2-1 coaching services, book your free discovery call today

https://phacoaching.co.uk/about/

Comments (2)

  1. Sandra:
    Aug 19, 2020 at 08:43 AM

    Thanks, very educative.

  2. Andrew:
    Aug 19, 2020 at 09:07 AM

    Well written, thank you, Priscilla x



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