How do I communicate effectively?

The Communication Process

• To communicate there must be an exchange of information
• All information exchanged should be as clear and complete as possible
• The information should be meaningful to the person receiving it
• Always get confirmation that the message you are communicating has been understood
• Information can be given in many ways. The more ways you use the clearer and more believable it will be. However the message must be the same in all ways. It is vital to be consistent. Remember actions speak louder than words.

We all need communication. In order for you to understand the effectiveness of your communication methods, test them on the diagram below.

Communication checklist

Is what you are communicating clear?
Have you chosen the most appropriate method? (eg email only ensures the recipient has the message on their machine – no more!)
What barriers will you have to overcome?
What feedback mechanisms have been built in?
Are questions of understanding or acceptance?
How and when will you check implementation?

Levels of communication

When communicating it is very important to convey the "music" with the message, it is very difficult to do this with e-Mail. Therefore think about how your message will be received.

• Think about the "desired outcome" of the communication. If you just want some one to listen, you need to let them know that early in the process
• Think about the emotional message you want to convey, if you are angry this may not be the time to write that  e-mail!
• In face to face conversation look for the hidden signals. What is the emotion in their communication. Sense this and reflect the fact that you understand them and their feelings

This page was last updated on: 24 September 2000
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