COMMUNICATION

By: Ed Christian Barcoso

Importance of Communication
We are aware of the need for and importance of communication as it
is a general phenomenon. Nowadays communication is playing a
vital role in every walk of an individual. Wherever life exists,
communication also exists. There are many changes taking place in
the corporate world; it has become an important tool in the
management analysis and managerial process. While considering all
these aspects, the success of any business/profession depends upon
proper communication.
Types of Communication
• Verbal Communication
Verbal communication encompasses all communication using spoken words, or unspoken words as in the
case with sign language. It is important to understand how to effectively communicate your ideas verbally
in order to avoid misunderstandings and maximize interest while you speak. Make sure to use the right
type of language, speak clearly, know your audience, respond in the best way, and use an appropriate tone
when speaking.
• Nonverbal Communication
What is actually being said is only half the battle the rest lies in what isn’t being said. This means your
tone, facial expressions, body language, hand movements, and eye contact. When you make yourself aware
of what the rest of you is doing as you speak, you can make corrections and eventually use all the right
nonverbal cues to convey your point.
• Written Communication
Written communication is a form of verbal communication, but it is so different than spoken verbal
communication that this form gets its own separate type. Written communication can take the form of
anything you write or type such as letters, emails, notes, texts, billboards, even a message written in the
sky! With written communication, it is important you know your audience, your purpose, and maintain
consistency throughout your written message.
• Visual Communication
Visual communication is one you may not have heard of, but it is one that complements the other types of
communication well. Visual communication is delivering information, messages, and points by way of
graphical representations, or visual aids. Some commonly used examples are slide presentations,
diagrams, physical models, drawings, and illustrations. When you use visual communication in addition
to verbal, nonverbal, and written communication, you create a very effective way for your message to be
heard and understood.
• Listening
Listening is a surprisingly important part of communication and in order to be a great communicator, you
must master the art of listening. Remember that listening doesn’t just mean hearing, or politely waiting
for your turn to speak. When others are speaking, you should practice active listening, which means that
you are engaging your mind while the person speaks, intently focusing on what they are saying.
Barriers to Communication
• Semantic barriers: Semantic barriers are also known as language barriers. These barriers are caused due
to improper communication between the sender and the receiver. The following instances of semantic
barriers can be witnessed in communication.
• Psychological Barriers: Psychological barriers play an important role in interpersonal communication as
the state of the mind of the sender or the receiver can make it difficult to understand the information that is
conveyed, which often leads to misunderstanding.
• Organisational barriers: Organisational barriers are those barriers that are caused due to the structure,
rules and regulations present in the organisation. The various types of barriers that can be encountered due
to superior subordinate relationships where the free flow of communication is not possible.
• Cultural barriers: Cultural barriers are those that arise due to lack of similarities among the different
cultures across the world. A term that can be harmless in one culture can be regarded as a slang in another
culture. Moreover, various beliefs can differ from one culture to another.
• Physical barriers: Physical barriers to communication are those that arise due to certain factors like
faulty equipment, noise, closed doors and cabins that cause the information sent from sender to receiver to
become distorted, which results in improper communication.
• Physiological barriers: Physiological barriers arise when a sender or the receiver of the communication
is not in a position to express or receive the message with clarity due to some physiological issues like
dyslexia, or nerve disorders that interfere with speech or hearing.
Communication as a tool for
improving Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Be open to and ask for feedback. The point of a conversation is an exchange of ideas between two people,
not a one-way street.
• Never talk over people. This not only shows a lack of listening skills, but it also shows you don’t value
what the speaker has to say. Alternatively, if you find that others always talk over you, consider that you
might be long-winded and think about how you can tighten up your message.
• Don’t finish other people’s sentences. You may think you’re sending the message that you “get” what
they’re saying before they finish saying it; however, you’re telling them that whatever they’re saying isn’t
worth listening to.
• Paraphrase. When someone asks you to do something, repeat back to that person what they asked you to
do in your own language. You’ve proven you not only listened to what they said, you also understood what
they were asking for.
• Listen actively. Have you ever been involved in a conversation where you can tell the other person is
thinking about something else or isn’t even hearing what you’re saying? Don’t be that person. Let the
speaker know you are connecting with them by nodding or responding when they ask a question. Keep
your focus on the conversation at hand.
• Maintain eye contact. Part of active listening is maintaining good eye contact. By doing so, you avoid being
distracted by what is going on around you and you give the speaker non-verbal acknowledgment that you are
listening. It’s okay to look away once in a while; staring intently at the person you’re speaking with can make
that person uncomfortable.
• Be aware of your body language. Without saying a word, you can speak volumes with your body language.
Are your arms crossed? You aren’t open to another person’s idea. Are your hands on your hips? You’re being
defensive. Be aware of what you are physically doing while you’re listening and speaking.
• Avoid unnecessary conversation fillers, like “ums,” “uhs” and “likes.” They distract the listener from hearing
your message. Think about what you’re going to say before you say it.
• Be respectful of other people’s thoughts and opinions. While you may disagree with what the other party is
saying, remember that (as difficult as it may be) they have a right to their own opinion. If you find yourself
ready to pounce on the person you’re speaking with because their opinion is not in line with yours, wait until
they’re done speaking and express your thoughts on the subject in a non-confrontational manner. Even if, in the
end, you wind up agreeing to disagree, you both walk away with a different viewpoint on a subject.
• Practice. You know what they say: practice makes perfect. With the tips above in mind, attend various
community networking events that require you to participate so you can practice good body language or active
listening. Pay special attention to how well others communicate and emulate those you feel succeed at
paraphrasing or maintaining eye contact.
THANK
YOU