or intelligence). The most common medium of communication is language. Being able to communicate effectively is the most important of all life skills. • Communication is a process, the main components are: • Sender • Message • Channel • Receiver • Response What is communication?
the common interest shared by the communicators. Semantic gap Semantic gap in communication is the different understanding of words between sender and receiver. Common frame of reference
language code of audience. • Sender should always consider his audience’s ability to process information. • Lack of understanding on the part of receiver. • It leads to confusion and misunderstanding.
that there is no scope for confusion. • Misunderstanding resulting from missed meanings because of the use of abstract words and phrases on which both senders and receivers do not agree.
view from your angle. • Try to put yourself in the other person’s position. • Viewing others within your frame of reference may lead to confusion and misunderstanding.
feel comfortable at the time of communication, it can be achieved by making environment cool and peaceful. • Physical distractions can easily disrupt communication. It comes from discomfort.
one is not emotionally charged before one takes part in a communication interaction. • Feelings of sadness, fear, anger, anxiety or happiness influence reception and ability to receive ideas of others.
take into account the values of our listeners/readers while communicating with them. • Receiver assigns meanings to message cues and meanings are assigned in terms of a receiver’s frame of reference. As the sender and receiver belong to different cultures, the interpretation of meaning can create misunderstanding.
across a message by speaking. The message can be sent to an individual, a team or a group. • The message can be sent in person, via an intercom, over the phone, email etc. • The person sending the message should express the message clearly so that the receiver is able to understand and act, if required, on the message. • The receiver of the message should be able to understand what was said. Many times the message may not be received as the sender intended, due to a range of factors including lack of attention or interest.
that are communicated without words. Only one third of a message is sent in a person-to-person exchange in words alone. People have the ability to read non-verbal cues. These cues are learnt from the environment and through culture and can therefore be misinterpreted. • The following are examples of non-verbal communication: • yawn • tears • frown • crossing arms • averting eyes • Non-verbal communication is divided into six types. They are: • body language • physical characteristics and appearance • voice • space • environment • time • Silence can be a type of non-verbal communication.
Written communication can be studied, reflected on and absorbed at the receiver's own pace. Written communication is permanent and makes a lasting impression. • The written word can sometimes have more authority. Words can be written, rewritten, edited until the communication is seen as clear and accurate and is ready to be sent to the receiver. • Written communication includes letters, memos, email, minutes of meetings, reports, instructions, diagrams, maps, other pictorial aids etc. • Written communication can overcome distance and can be cheaper than face-to-face meetings. It can be useful when information has to be sent to large numbers of people and can reinforce verbal communication.
reading required of personnel. The reading material may include minutes of meetings, Occupational, Health and Safety procedures and practices, work procedures, reports etc. • Due to the amount of reading required for many workers, reading skills need to be developed so that time spent reading is efficient and effective. • When reading a workplace document, questions to ask before hand are: • Why am I reading this? • What is the purpose of the document? • What do I expect to be able to know / do as a result? • It may be helpful to think in terms of the outcomes of the reading. The outcomes may be: • Memorizing the information • Getting a broad overview • Getting evidence • Finding out what has happened • Answering a question /topic • Revising • Getting a range of opinions • Getting concrete facts
belief in what you have to say. • Write down what you want to say and practice first on front of a mirror and then with family and friends. • The key is to talk about things that you know to be true, or about hobbies and pastimes that you are knowledgeable about. • Join in with chats and forums online, this is a great place to start to improving your communication. • The more you pour out your feeling and thoughts to a receptive audience, the more your confidence will increase. • A lack of confidence and self esteem can have a debilitating effect on your life if you let it, so it's time to stop it now. Try some or all of these ideas and you will find that a whole new world is opening up to you. You ARE an interesting person, and its time for everyone to realize that!
D H A V E N D R A D U T T No matter what job you have in life, your success will be determined by 5% by your academic credentials, 15% by your professional experiences, and 80% by your communication skills.