The Basic Principles of Effective Communication

Introduction 

Communication can be described as the ostensive process of exchanging information among involved individuals through writing, speaking, or using other medium. Bevan & Sole (2014) attest to the fact that there are two major models of communication; linear and transactional. The linear model is the more basic of the two, characterized by a one-way channel of communication. This means that only the sender communicates information to the receiver, for instance radio and television broadcasts. On the other hand, the transactional model involves two parties who take turns to communicate. Examples include phone conversations, letters, emails, or the face-to-face technique. Effective or competent communication involves fundamental precepts such as the message, sender, receiver, channel, and feedback. In addition, the content, process, and context of a message commensurately serve a specific purpose in communication. Whatever the purpose is, it is worth noting that fundamental principles have to be taken into account to ensure a successful communication. To this end, this paper is aimed at providing an articulated discourse on the salient principles that ensure competency in communication as well as their advantages.

In the process of communication, one particular form of is common, the interpersonal communication. According to Bevan & Sole (2014), this mode of communication is described as a social process particularly employed to meeting individual needs, learning about oneself, others, and the world, as well as developing and maintaining relationships with other individuals. In achieving all of the above goals, the communicating parties must be able to utilize the traditional face-to-face communication, especially when seeking to achieve the objective of developing and maintaining relationships with other individuals. An additional principle is that, in order to achieve a particular goal, one’s message has to be authentic and objective. This critically alleviates miscommunication and misunderstanding between the communicating parties.

Technology is a wonderful venture in our society. However, carrying out communication through technological platforms such as texts, mobile phones and emails could lead to the loss of certain fundamental aspects of communication. This is particularly ascertained through the context of the communication process. For instance, in a professional context, Caldwell & Dimoff (2015) contend that it is crucial for an individual to maintain professionalism especially when using texts or emails. The authors’ further state that it is important to communicate when necessary and only when there is a need to. Indeed, communication is not only about sharing information but also creating it. As such, one’s professionalism is judged based on how they predominantly convey or compose messages via emails, texts, or voice messages. Composing and conveying the messages effectively is key because these pieces of technology result in the loss of fundamental communication aspects such as intonation, tone, as well as verbal cues leading to miscommunication. Overall, accountability in communication is important in the professional sector since a wrong phrase or unprofessional photo in the social media could send the wrong message and consequently lead to a job loss.

Verbal communication as a type of communication is pivotal and can be achieved through diverse ways. One of this ways is through humor that is by definition a universal language across all age groups. Some of the means this is achieved is through non-verbal and deceptive communication. For instance, in the sitcom ‘Black-ish,’ the characters use non-verbal communication including gestures such as nodding or facial expressions to pass on information in a comical manner. In addition, the peers such as Andre, Rainbow, and the grandparents use cursing language that the kids (Junior, Diane, Zoey, and Jack) are not allowed to use (Anderson et al., 2016). This edifies the principle of relevance, in that, the type of language is key when communicating with a particular group of individuals. In essence, this tenet is exemplary in avoiding miscommunication and ambiguity.

Being an advertising executive makes Andre one of the preeminent individuals who uses deceptive communication. For instance, in the sixth episode of the fourth ‘black-ish’ season, Andre uses deceptive communication through playing mind and psychological games with his son Junior in a bid to have a competitive edge over him in basketball (Anderson et al., 2016). As a form of interpersonal communication, Andre uses deceptive communication to achieve his personal needs. As such, at some point in the episode, there appears to be a miscommunication between the two. The upshot here is that for competent communication to occur, selfishness has to be non-existent. Ultimately, to gain the most out of a conversation, it is important for one to maintain honesty and transparency from the outset of the communication process.

Conclusion 

Communication is a vital part of the society today. However, the trends in technology have infiltrated the communication process leading to both positive and negative outcomes. Nevertheless, the key principles discussed in the paper are fundamental in realizing and achieving competency in communication. It does not matter what profession or context the process is taking place, the underlying basic precepts are inherent to having a successful communication process.

References

Anderson, A., Barris, K., Fishburne, L., Griffiths, J…. (2016). Black-ish. [Television Series]. ABC. Retrieved from http://abc.go.com/shows/blackish 

Bevan, J.L. & Sole, K. (2014). Making Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication, 2ed. Bridgepoint Education, ISBN: 9781621784272.

Dimoff, D., Caldwell, S. C., Films Media Group, MotionMasters (Firm), & Films for the Humanities & Sciences (Firm), (2015). Digital communication skills: Do's and Don'ts.