Not only are humans social creatures by nature, we are essentially forced to interact with one another by living in societies, gaining employment and raising families. It's no surprise then that communication plays a fundamental role in our relations. But from sender to receiver, how can a message best be conveyed?
Acknowledging Recipients
The same message can be translated in various ways, but to ensure that the original intent of the message is grasped, the communicator must realize who he is speaking to. In other words, what is the context of the communication? For instance, someone giving a persuasive lecture on wildlife preservation would probably present it differently to middle schoolers than to the United Nations. It is important to use the appropriate vocabulary and subject material.
Nonverbal Cues
Facial expressions and body gestures express a tremendous amount of information to onlookers, whether people realize it or not. For example, crossed arms convey a certain level of discomfort, while arms resting at the body's sides illustrates relaxation and confidence. People who understand these implications can refine the impressions they give off, increasing the likelihood that others comprehend their messages.
Clarity and Consistency
People oftentimes unknowingly muddle their messages by using confusing concepts and alluding to things that others are unfamiliar with. To prevent this, communicators must be organized, consistent and discerning in their words. They should also be concise, as too much information can distract people.
Paraverbal Skills
Although what a person says is important, how she says it is also a crucial component of communication. Emotions will greatly influence the delivery of the message. People who feel angry may speak with a loud, high-pitched tone, while those who are nervous will mutter and stutter with soft voices. Depending on this presentation, people may or not may not accept the message. In addition, certain words may be inflected more than others, which will contribute to what listeners deduce.
Respecting the Exchange
Listening at first glance may not seem to be part of "communication," but it is crucial in countless circumstances. In conversation, there is a give and take of information. For this information to effectively be transmitted, the receiver of a message must be open to hearing the sender. This means quieting the drum of your thoughts, and being patient while another is speaking. Then when this person speaks in turn, his response will more likely be calibrated to the topic at hand, and communication flows more freely.
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