How to achieve Effective Communication
Uncompleted cycles of communication bring about a scarcity of answers. It does not much matter what the answers were or would be as long as they vaguely approximate the subject at hand. It does matter when some entirely unlooked-for answer is given, as in compulsive or obsessive communication, or when no answer is given at all. The basic priciples of effective communication are as follows-
Communicate for a purpose: You must be very clear in your own mind as to the purpose of your communication.Are you trying to sell a product? Persuade your boss to follow some line of action? Create a favourable impression on the minds of your clients?
Compose your message with care: Encoding and decoding should be done by using symbols and signs that are familiar to the sender and the receiver of the message.A specialist should not use technical terms while talking to ordinary people.
Compose your message to attract attention: To attract the attention of the receiver of the message, written or oral you may resort to intensity, change of movement, repitition and systematic arrangement.
Remove all barriers to effective communication: There are several barriers to effective communication which will be discussed later.They are faulty expression, faulty listening, status blocks, organizational blocks,etc. which have to be removed for effective communication.
Study the receiver of your message: Attempt to get as much information about the individual or group that is to receive your message, then try to encode your message in language, pictures or signs which will be readily understood.Also keep in mind the background or experience of the recipient and transmit your message with the help of mental images which are likely to be familiar to him or her.
Select your medium with care: Whether the message is conveyed orally,in writing or with the help of instruments like the typewriter or the telephone, see to it that the message goes across clearly and quickly.
Provide for feedback: Since feedback improves communication make it easy for your recipient of the message to respond.If you are writing a sales letter advertising a kitchen-set, encourage the would-be customer to write or phone to you or visit your showroom.
Act promptly on receiving response: If you get feedback do not ignore it.Especially if there is some misunderstanding or doubt about the original message, clarify immediately.
