Communication

The word Communication is derived from “Communis” (Latin) meaning

common. (establishes common ground of understanding)

A process which involves sharing of information between people through a

continuous activity of speaking, listening and understanding.

Robert Anderson, in his book ,Professional Selling, defines

“Communication is interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information, by
speech, writing, or signs”.

Allen Louis says, “Communication is the sum of all the things one person
does when he wants to create understanding in the mind of another it
involves a systematic and continuous process of telling, listening, and
understanding.”
 Communication

Communication is sharing of ideas and feelings in the

mood of mutuality (Edgar Dale)

Communication is a means of persuasion to influence

other so that desired effect is achieved
(Aristotle)
Today communication has become a buzzword
Communication is dynamic---active, energetic, forceful and constantly changing.

Mechanical systems are deterministic and closed

Human communication is not deterministic, but spontaneous and discretionary:

that is they respond to moods ,distractions, impulses, all of which can change any
moment. (complex)

People need people. We can’t be human alone. (social)

German Philosopher, Karl Jasper “ Man’s supreme achievement in the world is

communication from personality to personality.” (from other creatures)
Interpersonal comm. Is humanity’s greatest accomplishment but unfortunately
most people are unable to communicate well.
Many people believe that mental illness is primarily a problem of inadequate
comm.
Comm. Life blood of every kind of relationship.
Four Skills of Communication
Why do we Communicate?

To inform
1. Socially---- friends, family and To request
acquaintances.(daily)
2. As students-----build up formal
To persuade
skills(reading, writing, speaking, To build goodwill
listening)
3. All professions involve
communication------(doctors,
teachers, engineers, accountants )
six tips for improving your
communication style:
1. Knowing how to improve communication skills will come easier once you become aware of your
own communication style.

Each person has a unique way of communicating. Listen to your own speech. What sorts of
words do you use? Which sort of body language and what tone of voice are you using?

Now, think of someone who, in your opinion, is a good communicator. Compare your style to
theirs. You've just taken an important first step in how to improve communication skills.

2. Now that you are aware of your own style, study the style of those around you. How do the most
important people in your life converse? How do they say things? Look for approaches you can
model and make your own.

3. Adjust to the other styles of communication. Don't think it is too late to change your way of
conversing because it's been years. You had to learn to communicate in the first place and you can
unlearn certain behaviors or change them. Sometimes we get stuck in a communication rut.
A father once was having a hard time with his teenaged daughter. She was growing and he thought she
didn't tell him what was going on in her life. They were in a heated discussion when he asked, "Why didn't
you tell me?"

Her answer was that she had, but he was too busy lecturing her to hear him. He learned that adjusting his
style to his daughter would involve listening first before jumping right into solving the problem.
4. To build rapport, during a conversation try and match the other person's movements, posture and verbal
style. Don't do everything they do, but mirror one or two things. For example, if the person gives mostly
short answers to questions, you follow suit.

Or, maybe they talk at a slower pace than you usually do-slow your speaking speed to match theirs. This
may sound simplistic but it is a very potent way to make someone feel very relaxed and comfortable in your
presence.

5. The way you communicate at home may not be the same as in a different environment. Make sure you
change your style to suit the different setting. Some comments you might want to tell your best friend, in
private.

6. Don't criticize others for communicating differently. If we all communicated in the same way, we'd
soon be bored with each other.

Getting a good grasp of your communication style and finding ways to accommodate other peoples' styles,
is a good way to improve your communication skills.
What is effective communication
“Effective communication is a two-way
process - sending the right message, that is
also being correctly received and understood
by the other person/s.”

Effective communication is the communication which

produces intended or desired result

Effective communication skills are a critical aspect in

your career and personal lives

It is important to understand the communication process

so that we can enhance the effectiveness of our messages
We all must use a variety of communication techniques to
both understand and be understood

For communication to be effective, it is

important to understand how the people you
are interacting with may interpret your
message. We obtain information through our
senses, and it is therefore recommended that
your communication includes aspects of the
visual, auditory and kinesthetic language to
appeal to all listeners.
Effective communication helps to understand a person or
situation in a better way.

It helps us to solve the problems/differences, build trust and

respect in the organization.

Sometimes our message is misunderstood or we

misunderstand the received message. Effective
communication helps us to resolve problems from both
point of view.

We build goodwill by using effective communication.

It helps us in decision making.

Characteristics of Effective
Communication

1.Open Communication Climate

2.Commiting to Ethical Comm.
3.Understanding of intercultural Comm.
4.Proficient in Comm. Technology
5.Audience Centered Approach to Comm.
6.Creating & Processing messages efficiently