The ability to communicate remains one of the most essential elements of being human. Clinical psychologist, Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D., defines communication as the "ability of two or more individuals to converse meaningfully, with the goal of achieving some sort of deeper understanding or accord." Human beings are born with the ability and desire to communicate. Over time, this skill develops technically and personally based on experiences, which both determine effectiveness.
Developing Communication
Communication remains the integral key for survival, yet we all innately need and desire it as well. It requires no initial learning ability in order to express our physical and emotional needs. From birth, babies listen to the language spoken in the home and relate to sounds, voice tone, pitch, volume and intonation. By 3 to 6 months, babies become able to converse using sounds, reflective consonants and vowels. Moreover, by 6 to 9 months, they begin to use both verbal and non-verbal communication, says information on PBS.org.
Defining Filters
The technical ability and development of filters that effect communication evolves as time and learning take place. Filters come into place to protect both the sender and receiver of information although; the development of these filters can prove painful, says Dr. Seltzer. Developing communication filters results from experience and chronological age. Adults filter inappropriate information that would evoke a negative reaction or consequence, as well as take an unwanted direction. Children are impulsive and not as protective about divulging information, but they quickly learn the consequences of unbridled sharing.
Appropriate or Inhibitive
One debate regarding effective communication includes the development and use of filters. On one side, freedom of speech without consequences, within a family, evokes safety and acceptance. Alternately, if filters aren't challenged to develop within the safety of the family, the ability to appropriately communicate can become hindered. The line of appropriate teaching is drawn by psychologists who recommend teaching without harsh or critical repercussions. "If being straightforward in sharing thoughts and feelings wasn't frequently a punishing experience for us, we'd probably never teach ourselves-self-protectively-to lie," according to Dr. Seltzer.
Neuro-Linguistic Programming
NLP, otherwise known as Neuro-Linguistic Programming is a theoretical approach to the human experience of communication. The theory states that people receive information from all senses and before processing and acting, the information passes through three perception filters: neurology, language and programming. Neurology manages bodily functions, language controls the ability to communicate and programming applies meaning to communication based on experiences, states NLP University. This theory directly acknowledges that communication relates to both technical ability and personal experiences.
Communication Barriers
Effective communication derives from technical ability and acknowledging personal experiences. Additional barriers to consider include cultural, language, environment, mode of communication and physical ability, such as a hearing loss.
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