The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has happened.
Effective communication is achieved when both parties have the same concept of the material being communicated. Always work at the level that other people can understand; for example, when speaking to children use a vocabulary that is not too advanced for them. Never assume someone understands simply because she is nodding. Verify that communication has taken place. Communication is also non-verbal; reading body language and facial cues can help give context to communication.
Instructions
1. Frame the communication. Before speaking, choose the words that will be used carefully. Avoid being too flowery with language and use simple, direct and explicit wording. If a complex concept is being communicated then break it down in parts. Start with the simplest part then build on it.
2. Speak clearly, slowly and use your voice to convey the tone of the communication. For example, something serious would not be communicated with disinterest. Look for congruity in what is being said in the body language of the person communicating. For example, avoiding eye contact and facing away from a person indicates that you are not interested in talking to them.
3. Respond to the listener. Allow natural pauses in conversation for questions. Check the listener's body language constantly to make sure they are engaged and paying attention.
4. Ask the listener to repeat back the information that was just received. Ask questions about content or ask them to explain back what was said in her own words. Do this covertly by asking questions that require the listener to apply what she just heard in the conversation. Finally, ask her if she understood what you just said and if she has any questions.
5. Listen and pay attention when the other person speaks. Show her the same respect she showed you.
Tags: body language, being communicated, what just