Are You an Effective Communicator?

  Our communication styles are variable a multitude of factors affect our verbal and auditory abilities. Others may judge our communication capabilities by our appearance, what we choose to speak about, and how clearly we speak. Our listen skills can also impact how we are perceived. For example, if others feel that you understand; demonstrative empathetic listening or active listening they will be willing to communicate with you. An issue that may be a barrier to information sharing is our self-awareness of our communication styles.

We may believe that we are effective communicators or be unconfident in our interactions with others. This will be impacted by the public and possibly the subject matter. We may be very competent communicators at home and when speaking to our family and friends. This may not translate to small or large groups discussions. The subject matter is also related to this, as our family may not be interested in the jargon and pedagogical information associated with early education, while our colleagues may not wish to hear about our grocery lists.

While verbal or written output comprises a part of communication, listening skills constitute the other essential elements to information. To be and effective listener, we must understand the audience allowing for others to complete their thoughts; clarify information; and ask questions. Paraphrasing, or repeating with the other person is communicating reinforces understanding or clarifies any issues that were not already discussed. However, listening involves more than our ears. We must look at our speaker, reduce body movement, and avoid interrupting the speaker.

When sending and receiving communications, we must apply the same rules. Unclear messages must be clarified. We must be thoughtful about what we are communicating and in most cases, add additional information to ensure that the receiver has enough information to understand the context of the message, as the nonverbal cues and verbal intonation will not be available for providing additional contest to the reader. Nonverbal communication comprises of 55% body language and 35% tone of voice.

Listed below are two tools that may help you determine your efficacy as a communicator. You may wish to complete lists yourself and then have other complete them with you in mind.

http://www.cengage.com/resource_uploads/static_resources/0324223048/7346/listen_quiz.html

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_99.html

I have also included a link for communicating with the little ones in your life.

Positive Parenting Skills.net.  

http://www.positive-parenting-skills.net/verbal-and-nonverbal-communication.html

Resources

Communication confusion.  Retrieved from http://www.fiona-campbell.co.uk/blog-details.aspx?hid=19&nid=35

Dr. Guffey's Listening Quiz. Retrieved from http://www.cengage.com/resource_uploads/static_resources/0324223048/7346/listen_quiz.html

Picture of communication.  Retrieved March 24, 2014 from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_99.htm

Positive Parenting Skills.  Retrieved from March 24, 2014 from http://www.positive-parenting-skills.net/verbal-and-nonverbal-communication.html

The Communication Quiz. Retrieved  March 24from http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_99.html