Effective Communication

Effective Communication

is crucial for working successfully with others enables to maintain relationships accomplishes tasks with both individuals and groups motivates helps to overcome obstacles creates a relaxed, comfortable, trustful and psychologically safe feeling

What is Communication?

Communication is a dynamic process that individuals use to exchange ideas, relate experiences and share desires through speaking, writing, gestures or sign language.

Glenn & Smith, 1998

Components of Communication

anthropological component communication happens between at least two human beings. social component participants have certain intensions when communicating and understanding each other signal component during communication participants refer to a socially adapted set of signs in order to transmit a message. process component there are continuous changes during communication
Krallmann, Ziemann, 2001

Krallmann/ Ziemann, 2001

One can't not-communicate!

Any kind of behaviour is communication Communication is an interactive process of sending and receiving messages Communication can be seen as the link between the senders and receivers internal experiences.

The effectiveness of any communication depends on how closely the receivers understanding matches the senders intent

Sender and Receiver

SIGNAL
= a recognisable term, the sum of the messages in interpersonal communication

SENDER
encodes the meaning in his mind to a signal

The only message that matters is the one the other person receives

RECEIVER
deciphers this signal so that a similar meaning is stimulated in his mind

Schulz von Thun, 2001

Four sides of a message

Factual information Self-revelation

SIGNAL SIGNAL

SENDER

Relationship

RECEIVER

Schulz von Thun, 2001

Explanations of the four sides

Factual information

explains the fact

Self-revelation

expresses the sender himself and his feelings

Relationship

expresses what the sender expects from the receiver and what kind of relationship (contact) exists between the parties

Appeal

seeks to have an influence on the other

Few tips towards Active Listening:

Understand your own communication style. Be an active listener. Use normal communication.

Give Feedback

Improving Body Language Tips

Keep appropriate distance Touch only when appropriate Take care of your appearance Be aware - people may give false cues Maintain eye contact Smile genuinely

Thank You