Introduction
Human interaction without communication is most unimaginable. Surface communication that does not run deep leaves one with a feeling of dissatisfaction (Sherts, 2010) thus it is important to practice effective communication. My key aim when interacting with people is to improve my relationship with them, hence the importance of employing effective communication skills.
Criteria
My communication with different groups of people is usually contextual and depends on the specific group of people I am interacting with. The criteria are: foreigners, age, the disabled and context within which I am communicating (workplace or among fellow students).
General tips for effective communication
- Practice anger management by not engaging in shouting matches with other people.
- Learn other languages so as to make it easier to interact with people from other cultural backgrounds (Schwartz, 1995).
- Be tolerant to people who speak to you in an unfriendly manner.
- Do not shout at people, even when you are angry with them.
- Do not use curse words while speaking to people, especially in a formal setting such as a workplace.
- Always remember people’s names and refer to them by such as this is usually considered polite.
- Not to complain when asked to repeat something you did not state clearly (Schwartz, 1995).
- Address your bosses as Sir/ Madam as this is a sign of respect to their authority.
- Use gestures while addressing audiences in order to reinforce your key points.
- Be patient while listening to people who are not fluent in your language.
- Avoid insulting gestures or gestures that might be construed to be insulting.
- Practice patience when paying attention to other people speaking (Schwartz, 1995).
Personal tips for effective communication
- To use proper language while communicating with other people so as to be clear and concise and to be clearly understood.
- To speak slowly and clearly, especially while communicating with the elderly, who more often than not usually have hearing problems.
- To use gestures for disabled, especially the deaf, so that they find it easy to comprehend what you are communicating to them
- To be loud when speaking to audiences so as to deliver your message in a clear manner. This entails speaking in a moderate manner – not too slowly or too fast.
- To greet people before conversing with them, so as to create an aura of friendliness, and lay the groundwork for healthy, and easy communication.
- Not to cut people off mid-sentence as this is usually considered rude.
- Understand different gestures for different cultures to avoid miscommunication
- Learn other languages. Do not presume that the whole world speaks your language.
- Write legibly to make it easy for people to read and understand your messages.
- Always send text messages with proper wording and grammar.
- Always speak to the sick and disabled in a compassionate manner.
- Do not whisper while looking at someone else so that the latter will not get the impression that he or she is being discussed behind his/ her back. This habit might come off as rude, leading to communication problems.
Conclusion
‘The Importance of good communication is at the core of every healthy relationship’ (Nunacs, 2006). With the right approach towards communication, one can end up having healthy relationships and at the same time avoid conflicts while interacting with other people and have a lasting positive impact on the people he or she interacts with.
References
Nunacs, R. (2006). A Deeper Shade of Blue. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Schwartz, M. (1995). Communication Systems and Techniques. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Sherts, M. (2010). Conscious Communication. Minneapolis: Langdon Street Press.