Effective Communication: 24 Keys To Great Communicators
Language and the ability to connect and share knowledge are fundamental aspects for coexistence and even for the mental and physical health of human beings.
Communicating is essential and allows us to interact with our peers and even with other animal species. In our daily lives we do not stop doing it, since every act or even its absence is communicative.
But it is worth asking ourselves, are we capable of communicating effectively? In this article we offer you a series of 24 keys of great communicators when establishing effective communication
Know how to express yourself and make yourself understood
Communicating involves the exchange of information between two or more subjects by using various codes through which they can transmit.
But doing it effectively does not only imply that a subject A emits a message to a subject B. For communication to be effective, it is necessary to establish a climate of mutual understanding and respect in which both interlocutors in which the message is transmitted in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner, the content of the message being coherent with the attitude present in the communication.
It is essential that the act allows that both components can express themselves and be heard actively as well as maintaining a language adjusted to the capabilities of both subjects.
We are immersed in an increasingly individualistic society, which makes effective communication difficult. People tend to express themselves continuously without leaving room for others to respond and without really listening to what the other has to say, in addition to the frequent use of ambivalences and ambiguities that can give rise to different interpretations.
24 keys to effective communication
Below you can find a series of aspects to take into account in order to establish effective communication.
The look is a fundamental element in the communicative act, since it is highly expressive. Holding it in a natural and non-forced way is a sign of interest in what they are telling us or in our interlocutor. The listener feels more easily that they are being cared for and accepted as part of the communicative act. A look that avoids eye contact can imply a lack of interest, trust or even a lie in the communicative act.
2. Use a tone of voice appropriate to the context
Tone of voice is also an important element for effective communication. The appropriate tone will depend on the type of communication established, the content of the message or the situation in which it occurs. In general it is recommended a tone of voice without deep ups and downs
3. Let your body support your message
Gestural and postural communication say much more than most people seem to think. Depending on the non-verbal language we use, we may be supporting or even contradicting the verbal message, which can lead to different interpretations. Our posture and gestures must accompany the message transmitted and even enrich it.
4. Listen actively
A common mistake that many people make today is that we tend to speak without listening to what the other person is saying, as if they were waiting to continue their conversation without the other’s response being important. With this, the other may feel neglected and, in turn, interest in maintaining the communicative act may cease.
5. Respect the opinion of others
We can have a very specific position regarding a given issue, but this does not have to coincide with that of our interlocutors. If we want communication to be effective, it is necessary to be able to unconditionally accept the possibility of finding divergent positions and respect them even though we do not share them no matter how far from their own they may be.
6. Clear message
It is important that our message is clear and concise, using understandable vocabulary and not being ambiguous. Otherwise, it may give rise to multiple interpretations that hinder the objectives pursued in the communicative act.
7. Language adjusted to the reality of the interlocutor
If we want to be efficient in our communication, it is necessary to take into account that not all of our audience will have the same educational level, knowledge, vocabulary or even comprehension ability. It is necessary to adjust the type of language used to the reality of the audience in question.
8. Use of empathy
Connect and establish positive rapport with our interlocutor is essential if we want to establish a correct climate that facilitates mutual understanding and fluidity in communication.
When communicating It is easy to use stereotypes and already known formulas Although formalism may be necessary on some occasions, in general the use of typified messages offers a cold and impersonal perspective of communication that diminishes real interest and leads the listener to wonder what the purpose of the sender of the message is.
We must also keep in mind that although it is good to have possible questions planned, we must be able to give our speech a certain spontaneity that makes it look authentic.
10. Take into account the context
It is not the same as being at a conference, at a wedding or at a funeral. The message must adapt not only to the subject and his or her vital reality, but also take into account the environment in which the communicative exchange takes place
11. Act assertively
During the communicative exchange we must try not to overwhelm the interlocutors and impose our will regardless of their opinion, nor let ourselves be carried away by the opinion of others. We must be able to defend our position fully, respecting the opinion of others.
12. Coherence
If we want our communication to be effective, it is useful to focus on aspects that the other can understand without having to interpret excessively and without the meaning of the message varying from one moment to the next. Coherence in speech It is essential.
13. Question and paraphrase
That our interlocutor perceives interest on our part is a relevant aspect when establishing effective communication. The act of asking shows that we are listening and allows us to finish understanding or make the other understand parts of the message that are not clear. Paraphrasing helps us show that we are listening while allowing us to organize the fundamental parts of the speech.
14. Respect speaking turns
An act of communication is established between two or more people. If we are talking about oral communication, it is necessary that all those involved agree to respect the other’s turn to speak. without continually interrupting the other’s message.
15. Anticipate possible responses
On many occasions, those who receive the message will have doubts and questions, or different events may occur during the communicative act. Anticipate this possibility and have an action plan or possible response prepared It will help give the message greater security and effectiveness.
16. Don’t just give orders
Effective communication is carried out with respect and education with respect to the person receiving the communication. If the transmission of information is carried out in an authoritarian manner, it can be seen as punitive and generate rejection and reactance.
It is common that during communication different sensations, emotions and feelings emerge Although it is beneficial that they can come to light and can even improve effectiveness by increasing understanding between interlocutors, we must not let them go to the extreme and prevent us from exchanging information or impede the achievement of the objective of communication.
18. Have a goal and make it clear honestly
If we intend to have efficient communication, it is essential to be clear about what we intend with it, as well as to be able to transmit it and argue in a way that communication can facilitate its achievement. It is highly recommended be honest and authentic without trying to manipulate the other.
19. The themes, one by one
Starting with a topic and then changing to others and then returning to the original can be effective on occasion, but if it is not something very planned, it generally tends to confuse the listener regarding the topic being discussed. It would be useful deal with topics in an orderly manner in order to maintain the internal coherence of the discourse.
20. Avoid generalities and detours
A clear and concise message reaches the recipient sooner and can be more efficient than going around a topic before reaching the real objective.
21. Try to approach communication in a positive way
Regardless of the type of message that is transmitted, those communications that raise and elaborate concepts tend to be much more efficient and well accepted. from a positive and constructive perspective
22. Do not prolong communication excessively
Although making a long and elaborate speech can be attractive in order to communicate a large number of ideas, it must be taken into account that people have a certain attention span and that the longer the argument, the more likely it is that information will be lost along the way. Short speeches that make the different key arguments clear tend to be much more effective.
23. Motivates
Keeping people motivated is essential, and helps both to maintain interest in the exchange and for it to produce some type of positive result. Giving space for our interlocutor to express their doubts, encouraging their expression and answering them can be highly motivating, as well as the focus given to the message.
24. Integrate and be open to adding or considering other people’s points of view
It is important that no matter how much you try to defend a certain idea, you take into account the points of view of others. To make your own speech more efficient, it is advisable to spontaneously use some of the elements that other people have added and discuss them.
This, on the one hand, makes it clear that the contributions of others are taken into account while on the other it can reinforce or qualify the message that is intended to be transmitted.
