Overview of Effective Communication
"Effective communication requires a solid understanding of the process by wich humans attempt to communicate. Communication models help us to visualize the process. Effective communication skills are valuable in all walks of life: at home, on the job and in the community. Intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication and public speaking each offer the potential for personal and professional growth, leading to increased levels of self-confidence, sensitivity to others, and self-satisfaction" (Chase & Shamo, 2009)
The Importance of Communication
GREAT COMMUNICATORS ARE THE CATALYST TO CHANGE!
As stated in the Introduction, we all communicate, but we all can communicate better. Every day you are going to encounter a variety of situations that must be interpreted and handled differently. The more you are able to an effective communicator, the more opportunities you will have to be successful.
It is important to understand that communication is NOT just speaking. Effective communication encompasses speaking, listening, understanding and interpreting non-verbal skills, critical thinking, and much much more.
One definition of communication that I like is: "communication is the simultaneous sharing and creating of meaning through human symbolic interaction" (Seiler & Beall, 1999). As you can see, communication is NOT a one-way street, it is a process, ongoing, never-ending, and simultaneous (I am influencing you as you are influencing me). You could say that effective communication is a "journey and not a destination."
Remember, every opportunity has its roots in a relationship, and every relationship is built through effective communication? Communication is precisely the process of by which we conduct relationships, and if our communication is poor, our relationships will be poor.
Please answer one of the following questions:
1. How do you think your life will get better by being able to communicate better?
2. What does it mean to you that "communication is NOT a one-way street, it is a process, ongoing, never-ending, and simultaneous."?
One definition of communication that I like is: "communication is the simultaneous sharing and creating of meaning through human symbolic interaction" (Seiler & Beall, 1999). As you can see, communication is NOT a one-way street, it is a process, ongoing, never-ending, and simultaneous (I am influencing you as you are influencing me). You could say that effective communication is a "journey and not a destination."
Remember, every opportunity has its roots in a relationship, and every relationship is built through effective communication? Communication is precisely the process of by which we conduct relationships, and if our communication is poor, our relationships will be poor.
Please answer one of the following questions:
1. How do you think your life will get better by being able to communicate better?
2. What does it mean to you that "communication is NOT a one-way street, it is a process, ongoing, never-ending, and simultaneous."?
I agree with what was said here. The most interesting part of this reading for me was when it talked about how "communication is a process, ongoing, never-ending and simultaneous." I have never thought about it that way before, but I definitely would agree. No matter what happens not only are we always communicating, but it is always changing. New ways of communication are always being developed and created but it is the most important aspect of our daily lives. I also agree with the statement "communication is precisely the process of by which we conduct relationships, and if our communication is poor, our relationships will be poor." I have found in my own life especially when it comes to marriage, communication is the key! It makes the biggest difference in the world.
ReplyDeleteDisregard my previous comment I didn't realize the discussion questions weren't up yet so here is my real answer...
ReplyDelete1. If I am able to communicate better, I am going to be in positions of higher power in an organization or company. I am going to create relationships that will no doubt benefit me for the rest of my life, and may create opportunities I would have otherwise never had. I can also create stronger relationships with those I love.
2. I answered this in my previous comment... No matter what happens not only are we always communicating, but it is always changing. New ways of communication are always being developed and created. This is because it is the most important aspect of our daily lives. Also communicating is taking in from some one else and giving back to that person. Listening and feedback are both important, one is pointless with out the other.
Communication is always something that I have struggled. Im not afraid of it but never have been able to comfortably and clearly state the message that I am trying to convey. Already since being in this class I find myself doing the things that we have talked about and trying to better that ways in which I discuss things with patients at work. Being able to communicate better will help me at work significantly. When it comes to glasses people can get pretty picky, but be clear and concise and effectively communicating will simple the process and allow for more smooth sales. The second question comes into play with this as well. When it comes to peoples visual needs we MUST communicate back and forth to understand their lifestyle. What they do and what they need allows me to choose certain frames and lenses that will allow them to continue living that lifestyle functionally. We must allows be listening, interpreting and then participating in the communication process for the best possible outcome. We must give a little to take little when it comes to this.
ReplyDeleteColten Iverson Post 1 Jan, 16, 2012
ReplyDeleteI truly believe that if a person knows how to communicate life is way better. If we think about it life must have been pretty lame when we were little babies and we didn’t know how to tell our parents what exactly we wanted or needed. I know that it is tough to raise kids when they are that young cause its tough to know exactly what they want or need. Basic communication is absolutely necessary to make life even a little bit easy. I learned a great deal about how important communication is and how much easier it made my life while I lived in Africa for two years. At first I was confused on how to get my point across to the people there, because I was not an effective communicator. However, as I studied and practiced my communication skills, I became effective at what is was I was trying to accomplish. I believe that becoming a more effective communicator makes life easier. Effective communication allows one to quickly and precisely get their point across to someone else. If a person can clearly help someone else to understand what it is that they want them to do for them, then that person can go about doing it in the correct way. Things will be done right the first time and no mistakes will need to be corrected. In every aspect of life whether it be school, work, or home effective communication will certainly make it easier.
I believe that you can achieve anything you want in life if you can communicate what that desire is. By being able to communicate and explain to others what your thoughts are, and in return listen to what their thoughts are, two minds are able to achieve greater, more influential accomplishments. The skill of communicating will help not only in the business world, but in families, marriages, and everyday interactions by helping me to connect with other people and relate to their experiences.
ReplyDeleteKatherine Swann