Communication is the conveyance of information or ideas from one person to another in a way that the receiver can comprehend the intended message. The ability to communicate effectively rests with both parties and involves issues like how they talk, respond, listen and even the use of their body language. Effective communication can be enhanced if both parties use the appropriate techniques which will ensure that the intended message is received and decoded to understand its meaning. This paper looks at the three communication techniques which include effective listening, reading and understanding the message and the use of non-verbal cues.
Effective Listening
Effective listening can be achieved when the communicators pay closer attention to what the other party is saying without interrupting and if necessary seeking clarification. Similarly, it includes issues like paraphrasing what has been said to show that the receiver understands the content of the message. Listening is critical for effective communication since it gives meaning to what is happening in the surrounding area. It is only through active listening that the receiver can truly understand the information that is being conveyed by the sender. The receiver, in this case, will hear the words and the content of the message. Effective listening can only be guaranteed if there are no interruptions or noises that are likely to distort the message. The sender plays a significant role by ensuring that the message is delivered in a way that the receiver will understand.
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Reading and Understanding
Conveyance of the message in a written way is the most commonly used technique. Messages can be set through emails, SMS, text chats, letters, and reports. Although the understanding of the message depends on the recipient, greater responsibility lies with the sender. Communication can only be said to be effective if the recipient of the message is able to read, understand, and give feedback where necessary. The sender of the message should, therefore, ensure that the right choice of words is used in addition to writing the message using legible letters that are of the right size and using a common language that is understood by the recipient. Similarly, any written communication should avoid the use of jargon and any other language that might be difficult to understand.
Non-verbal techniques
This involves the use of non-verbal cues taking the form of eye contact, body posture, facial expressions, the tone of voice, and hand gestures among others. Where communication does not entirely involve the use of sign language, non-verbal communication plays a major role in reinforcement of verbally delivered message. Spoken words only form a smaller part of communication with non-verbal communication taking over 90% of the communication, hence the need to pay close attention to non-verbal cues by the sender and receiver of the message.
Effective communication is, therefore, dependent on the right use of the identified techniques to convey the intended message. These skills are acquired through continuous learning and practice. Communicators must, therefore, strive to enhance their communication skills and engage in continuous learning in order to practice and understand communication skills.
