What is communication?
The word is from the latin "communis” meaning to share.It is the activity of conveying information by:
- Speech;
- Signals; or
- Writing.
Good communications build your reputation and credibility.
DON’T LOSE THE MESSAGE!
- Written communication – jargon, long directionless sentences, unnecessarily complex wording. The message will be lost.
- Verbal communication – dull and mundane, rambling – may project you as being unimpressive (and therefore unintelligent). The message will be lost.
- Listening – always talking and never listening – could be perceived as domineering and arrogant. The message will be lost.
COMMUNICATE CLEARLY!
- Giving your message – be clear, concise and correct. Maintain simplicity so the member can easily understand. The member wants to know what you can do for them but not spend time figuring out what you’re trying to tell them.
- Getting things done – if your communications are understood things will get done efficiently.
- The hidden message – your words convey a lot about you and how you conduct your business. By keeping your message simple and understandable it shows you are professional and trustworthy.
The message may not be received in the way the sender intended!
- Ability of the person sending the message – how much they understand the subject affects the communication. When sending a message, we should adapt to the receiver recognising their needs, status, and knowledge of the subject.
- Perceptions, prejudices and stereotypes – people hear what they expect to hear, not what is actually being said, they then jump to the wrong conclusions.
- Content – if the message contains technical information and jargon, instructions will not be understood.
- Method of communication concerns the style and body language. Is it best to call the person, write a letter or send an email?
- Make sure you are communicating with the right person.
- Organisation factors – the longer the communication chain, the greater the chance of error. If the message passes through too many people, it can become distorted.
- Skills and attitude of receiver – this affects how they digest the information in the message
