Which way of communication is the most effective? How can our messages be sent across so as to convince others? Conflicts often arise when communication is misunderstood, that is when goals are not met or when valued relationships cannot work out. In fact, we experience conflicts everywhere, be it in schools, at the workplace or even at home. What can we do to minimize such conflicts? This is where effective communication comes into play.
Often, our behavior instinctively encompasses our intentions - the way we portray ourselves in front of others, our hand gestures, the words we use and the manner or tone we use with our words. Therefore, effective communication is extremely important because we need to be tactful when dealing with face-to-face interactions. Effective communication is a two-way path. You can improve yourself by constantly reflecting on your own actions and behavior. Sometimes, judging from a person’s behavior, you can also tell if you are making the same mistake as others and hence have a rough gauge of how others feel about you. It is thus important to learn from others and adjust yourself accordingly.
In the workplace, often than or not, we have to make use of communication in major activities like planning, organizing, directing and problem-solving. Breakdown of communication is normally due to poor precision and clarity, or lack of goals and objectives of communication. The reason people cannot understand us properly is because we do not think before we talk or simply our thoughts could be unorganized. In fact, language barrier can also lead to the same result. Hence I believe that to let ourselves be well-understood when solving conflicts or when working in a team, we require this basic tool of effective communication.
Often, our behavior instinctively encompasses our intentions - the way we portray ourselves in front of others, our hand gestures, the words we use and the manner or tone we use with our words. Therefore, effective communication is extremely important because we need to be tactful when dealing with face-to-face interactions. Effective communication is a two-way path. You can improve yourself by constantly reflecting on your own actions and behavior. Sometimes, judging from a person’s behavior, you can also tell if you are making the same mistake as others and hence have a rough gauge of how others feel about you. It is thus important to learn from others and adjust yourself accordingly.
In the workplace, often than or not, we have to make use of communication in major activities like planning, organizing, directing and problem-solving. Breakdown of communication is normally due to poor precision and clarity, or lack of goals and objectives of communication. The reason people cannot understand us properly is because we do not think before we talk or simply our thoughts could be unorganized. In fact, language barrier can also lead to the same result. Hence I believe that to let ourselves be well-understood when solving conflicts or when working in a team, we require this basic tool of effective communication.
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6 comments:
Thanks, Eileen! As I have commented to many of your group members, you explain the basics well. Your language is certainly precise, your ideas well organized. What I feel is missing is the personal touch, the connection between what you have written about effective communication and your own world, your needs, your approach.
I want to peer more deeply into your brain (and your heart and soul)!
It is true that we need to be tactful when communicating with one another!! As Lyon so aptly puts it (in my blog), 'Think before you act!'. Sometimes, words that one says may hurt another unintentionally. This is quite common when one assumes the other person know that he/she means no harm. I was a victim of such a situation! (>.<) However, the misunderstanding was cleared when I spoke to the other person about it. Maybe I am a little sensitive in nature. But yeah, that's what I mean. So, it is absolutely necessary to be tactful! I totally support your view!
"Effectively communication is a two-way path."
I totally agree with this statement that you have posted. I feel that for a conversation to work out where information could be conveyed correctly without ill intention, both the speaker and receiver will have to respond 'correctly'. This simply means that their actions and tone must be in sync with what they want the other party to know. Take for example, should one feel that he does not agree with what the speaker has said, he could still discuss the topic politely. He does not have to 'switch off' completely or 'filter' the things that the speaker has the intention of sharing. This is yet a simple way of showing respect for the speaker.
This is also adding on to your point of being tactful and joyce's point of thinking before talking. Both are great points to take in for effective communication. Learn to be tactful and definitely think before you open your mouth! =)
hey eileen,
what you mentioned about the importance of language, tone and hand gestures in communication is indeed true and relevant in this society!
different tones and postures are used when communicating with different people. for example, talking to your superior requires you to be formal in your use of language and restrain from bodily contact. whereas when conversing with your friends and family, you can be casual and physical contact is acceptable.
these differences in communication between different groups of people may seem obvious and trivial but these are often the areas where misunderstanding can occur.
Hi Eileen,
I agree with what you have said, especially on the point that we do not think before we talk and about reflecting on your own actions and behavior. I think if everyone were to put themselves in others shoe and think, probably some miscommunication can be prevented. I think understanding and mutual respect are also important in communicating effectively.
Dear joyce and xiuwen,
regarding the points that you two have mentioned, I just want to add that actually all humans make mistakes. Our mistakes often lie in not having able to think before we talk, and that leads to our regret some point of time later. That's why we need to remind ourselves constantly to be aware of what we say and be sensitive to other's feelings(even though you may not agree with what they think, be mindful not to use extreme words that hurt feelings)!
For that I thank you for all your comments=)
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