Communication

Communication – this thirteen letter word encompasses in itself a complex meaning, which has many dimensions of interpretation, and is all important and relevant in our everyday life.

When a young child cries, actually he/she is trying to communicate its needs in its own way to his/her parents. As the child grows up, he/she learns to use language as a means for expressing his/her views. But effective communication or the communication in its complete sense includes not only verbal communication, but also non-verbal communication and listening skills. In fact, we, in our everyday life, tend to communicate more by nonverbal means than using words. If to go by scientific interpretations, then communication among humans is done by 93% of nonverbal gestures and only 7% words.

What separates effective communication from ordinary communication? Effective communication is conveying the full message or complete sense in fewer words, in a less ambiguous way. As opposed to the casual way of delivering words as they come, effective communication stresses on careful selection of words, the timing of its use and the intonation and modulation of the voice while delivering the speech. Sound variations mark our normal communication also, but in effective communication techniques, the modulation of voice is more in a controlled and planned manner. Here, the intonation and delivery of words is done in a timely and rhythmic manner such that it raises some sort of an interest in the audience rather than boredom.

Here are some tips to improve your communication skills:

Get in the other person's head when you're communicating with someone. Look at their point of view, values and experiences. Put yourself in the place of the person.

For one to be an effective communicator, he/she needs to be a good listener as well. Listening is the other side of communication. That is, how effectively and clearly you pick the said words and interpret it actually completes the speaker’s efforts. Listen to the other person speaking, instead of thinking about what you are going to say next.

Make use of the mirroring technique: mirror the other person's pose, speaking rhythm and tone, vocabulary, ... This has a positive effect on the rapport, at least if you do it in a subtle way.

Express your thoughts and feelings clearly.

Don't become hostile when you have conflicting ideas.

Think about the purpose of the communication. What goal do you have when communicating with a certain someone. Concentrate on that goal and do what it takes to get there.

In the present day globalized village, where businesses are done virtually with any client sitting in any part of the world, good communication is a necessity especially when it comes to forging new business relations. In other words, good communication is seen as a symbol of dynamic leadership in a corporate setup.

Also, on a managerial level, managers/leaders need to motivate his/her subordinates, and in order to take them in to confidence one needs to talk to them and convince them about organizational requirements and demands. But leadership never becomes complete without listening to the side of employees as well. Knowing them, their problems and requirements is vital in grooming an efficient and loyal work force. It implies that good leadership also requires effective communication and listening skills, alongside managing capabilities and business acumen.

Communicating effectively improves your relationship with others and people will start interacting to you in a way, which hasn’t happened before. In simple terms, it is all about understanding the soul of social existence and interaction.