Effective Communication
1.0 Introduction
Communication is the transfer of information and understanding from one person to another. It is a way of reaching others with ideas, facts, thoughts, feelings, and values. It always involves atleast two people–a sender and a receiver. Communication is what the receiver understands and not what the sender says.
Organisations cannot exist without communication. If there is no communication, employees cannot know what their coworkers are doing, management cannot receive information inputs, and supervisors cannot give instructions. Coordination of work is impossible, and the organization will collapse for lack of it. Cooperation also becomes impossible, because people cannot communicate their needs and feelings to others. We can say with confidence that every act of communication influences the organization.
When communication is effective, it encourages better performance and job satisfaction. People understand their jobs better and feel more involved in them. One of the major hindrances to the successful performance of a group or organization is a lack of effective communication. Because individuals spend nearly 70% of their working hours communicating, writing, reading, speaking, and listening. So communication skill is one of the essential qualities required for every individual, whether in a group, workplace, family, or in any situation. It is worth remembering, “Communication can make or break a relationship”. Communication skill is a personality trait to be developed by all. Like other social skills, communication skills can be taught and learned, and they improve with practice.
Before going into the details of communication skills., we should discuss communication: – its definition, objectives, media, principles, types, barriers etc.
1.1 Definitions:
A few of the important definitions of Communication given by Management experts are:
• Communication is the interchange of thoughts or information to bring about mutual understanding and confidence in good human relations. (American Society of Training Directors);
• Communication is an exchange of facts, ideas, opinions, or emotions by two or more persons. (Rumania and Summer);
• Communication means understanding. (C.G Brown).
The dictionary defines communication as a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.
Skill is defined as a learned power of doing something competent and something that is a developed aptitude or ability. Put the two together and it is obviously good communication skills can be learned and that those skills can be used to effectively deliver your message. Human communication is purposive and so understanding is vital in the process of communication.
Any communication involves four essential elements, viz.
- The message
- The source
- The receiver
- The channel
Leave a Reply