We explain what effective communication is and what its elements are. Also, why it is so important and some examples.
What is effective communication?
Effective communication is one in which sender and receiver encode a message equivalently. Thus, the message is transmitted successfully: the receiver understands the meaning and intention of the message sent.
To make communication effective it is very important that the sender clearly knows what he wants to transmit and that he is aware of the qualities of the person or persons to whom he wants to send it in order to formulate the message in the most accurate way possible.
In effective communication, the sender must be – or at least appear – credible to those who receive the message. For this, the key is to show that you understand, that you are an authoritative voice about what is being communicated. At once, must convey it in the best possible way, with clear and precise concepts, so that there are no misunderstandings or misinterpretations.
On the other hand, the message formulated by the sender must not be only rational or only emotional, but combine both dimensions. In this way, those who are not moved by the emotional elements can be convinced by the rational ones and vice versa. But, in addition, it can be a good strategy to capture the attention of the recipient of the message.
Elements of effective communication
Within effective communication –as in any type of communication– there are certain elements that compose it. Some of them are:
- Transmitter. The person (s) who produce and send the message.
- Receiver. The person (s) who receive and interpret the message.
- Code. A set of rules and signs that the sender uses to produce his message and that must also be known to the receiver in order to interpret it.
- Channel. The physical medium through which the message is transmitted, which goes from the sender to the receiver.
- Message. The object that is communicated. It is formulated and sent by the sender and received and interpreted by the receiver.
- Referrer. That element, situation or event to which the message alludes or “refers”.
- Situation. The context in which the sender transmits his message and in which the receiver receives it. For both, the situation ends up influencing or even conditioning the way the message is formulated and interpreted. The situation may or may not be shared by both.
- Noise. Any type of interference that affects any of the elements that intervene in the communication and that, therefore, end up affecting it. When there is one noise – or several – the communication is not effective.
Importance of effective communication
The importance of effective communication is clearly seen in the business environment where can make a difference in boosting productivity but also so that the teams and human resources work correctly and in a complementary way.
In the academic field, correctly transmit the contents elaborated in a thesisFor example, it is also relevant for the public to understand what the investigation consisted of and what the conclusions were about it.
In politics, Getting a clear and compelling message is the key to getting votes and achieve consensus when carrying out a measure. Inefficient communication can be unhappy for many of the citizens.
On a commercial level, communication also makes a difference: a well-crafted message can translate into higher sales volume.
Examples of effective communication
Effective communication can take place in different ways or channels. Some examples can be:
- Written communication. Here we can locate a university thesis, in which its author expands on previous research and reaches a conclusion.
- Oral communication. The speech of a politician can be an example, when he argues why it is necessary to vote it in a public act.
- Gesticulation. By means of signs or gestures, the sender communicates something, for example, where the driver of a car can park and how to do it.
Effective communication in companies
Effective communication is decisive in companies. Its productivity depends on the correct transmission of a message, as well as the proper functioning of the staff and its group, at all levels.
Effective communication helps build trust among human resources and also to know clearly what are the goals and objectives to follow to choose the correct path for it.
Effective communication is a key tool in motivating staff and making them feel like part of the team.
Also, effective communication helps generate more horizontal structures where everyone can listen and be heard, which is key, especially for the new generations who are looking for a feedback constant.
Now, effective communication in any organization will always depend on its leaders, who must be the first to implement it. Too it is important that they know which is the best channel for this, as well as the most appropriate time.
When choosing leaders, communication skills must be taken into account.
Assertive communication
Assertive communication is the one that is transmitted clearly. This applies not only to the content of the communication but also to the elements that accompany it, such as gestures and sounds.
Assertive communication also it is always accompanied by empathy on the part of the person who produces it. The idea of assertive communication is to always generate a sincere climate without conflicts between the parties.
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