"If communication can fail, it will," states Finnish researcher Osmo Wiio in his "laws," acknowledging the complexity of the communication process. People code their ideas into a mix of words and nonverbal activity. They deliver it in a world of interruptions, noise and distractions. Your listener picks it up and decodes it, believing he has your idea in his grasp. Use effective communication to make sure others get the right message.
Principles
You send messages whenever you are with another person, as Donnell King explains on the Pellissippi State Community College website. Stand silent in an elevator, avoiding a stranger's gaze, and you tell her something about yourself. You communicate irreversibly, through words, posture, facial expression, gesture and tone of voice. Tell your friend the result of a baseball game, and you spoil the replay. Culture, situation and personality may affect the type of communication you choose. When your boss is angry, don't crack jokes.
Function
Use skillful communication to influence attitudes and behavior, suggests the University of Wales. This is done by exchanging meaning, information and feelings. Use different communication styles and language patterns to suit each situation. You might assume an assured, authoritative manner to teach facts to a class of schoolchildren. You may need to be less assertive to resolve a disagreement with your spouse or partner. Jargon is fine at work with colleagues, but avoid it at a party.
Interpersonal Skills
Improve the quality of your communication by understanding more about your conversation partner. Watch his face and body for clues to how he feels. His skin color may change as he reacts to what you say. His eyes may open wider, perhaps in surprise, or his shoulders might rise if he becomes tense--this is a signal that he may disagree with you. Active listening skills help you understand his meaning more accurately. Let him finish what he has to say, then check your own understanding by asking questions before offering clear feedback.
Business Communication
Your business and professional life depends on internal and external communication. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, successful organizations increasingly rely on effective public relations professionals for marketing, advertising and customer relations. Develop reliable systems to collect accurate information, and take care with every word you distribute. Maintain relationships with your workforce and keep them motivated, with a mix of face-to-face conversation, group meetings and written material such as newsletters and briefing sheets. Check your written communications for accuracy, clarity and brevity.
Communication Developments
New ways to communicate spring up regularly. The Egyptians drew hieroglyphs 5,000 years ago; Gutenburg invented his printing press in 1455; computers appeared for sale in the 1950s. Telephone, radio, television and motion pictures transmit messages across the world. Email and text messaging offer fast communication and encourage constant developments, such as abbreviated "text speak" and the use of picture emoticons to convey feelings as briefly as possible.
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