Improving Relationships with Good Communication
How to Deliver a Message Effectively and Listen to the Sender
Jun 9, 2009
Communication is about receiving and sending a verbal message. However, body language as well as content of the message are important in the communication process.
Keys to Effective Communication
To be an effective communicator one must:
- convey a clear and unambiguous message to the listener
- be able to receive a message from someone without loosing that persons intent by not interpreting it properly
Some of the reasons that communication is not effective Include:
- People are not listening to what is being said.
- The person is already formulating a response without listening to the message of the speaker.
- The person is not focusing on what is being said.
- The message that is sent is too complicated and therefore open for misinterpretation.
Why Communication Fails
Whether communication is with a partner, work colleague, boss or friend the principles remain the same. It is easy to get caught up in a desire to be part of the conversation and therefore to just jump in an interrupt the speaker. Often people do not let others finish a sentence and jump to have their say. This leads to frustration on the part of the speaker and perhaps an argument as the listener feels not listened to.
Practical Ways to Improve Communication
- One should try and focus on what the other person is saying. It is easy to let one's thoughts drift off and thus not really be listening to what is being said. If need be, the speaker should ask a question if the listener has drifted off to make sure that he did catch most of it and to clarify anything that may have been missed.
- An effective listener is able to listen carefully to what is being said and without presuming to know how the sentence finishes. Not giving in to the temptation to speak during a pause can be a good way to improve communication. A pause may not always be an invitation to the other person to speak.
- As difficult as it may seem it cannot hurt to look at issues from someone else's point of view. Considering other people's opinions may also be an exercise in broadening one's horizon without compromising a different believe or opinion on a topic.
- In an argument it may be wise if a compromise can be found rather than maintaining a position of winning. Compromise might lead to an improved relationship and a better way forward to better communication skills.
Effort is Required for Effective Communication by Both the Sender and Receiver of the Message
Sadly the communication process if fraught with difficulty. There is enormous room for misunderstanding as messages get muddled when sent and received. The problems of poor communication are missed opportunities, wasted effort, increase in stress and confusion.
It is well worth while to spend some time improving communication skills to not only enhance personal life skills but also work relationships.
