Effective Communication

Why do we need to study communication?

Why do we need to study communication? We are communicating all the time; communication permeates our lives. Very important in every facets of our lives; effective communication helps us to perform at our best. Studying how to communicate effectively helps to prevent miscommunication

Learning objectives Able to explain the importance of studying “Effective Communication”. Able to state the benefits of studying “Effective Communication”. Able to state some major areas incorporated in “Effective Communication”. Able to state a number of ethics in “Effective Communication”.

Scenarios of miscommunication

Some scenarios of miscommunication: Recall some scenarios of miscommunication. How did you feel during the experience of miscommunication? How can you make a difference to the above situations?

Here is something to ponder…… What basic skills should a graduate have?

A Study by Diamond ( 1997) 1000 faculty members from a cross section of academic disciplines were asked the question; the answer was : Communication skills (Writing, speaking, reading and listening) Interpersonal skills Working in and leading groups Appreciation of cultural diversity Ability to adapt to innovation and change

Do you know that…..? Communication is the way for us to survive? As our sense of identity comes from the way we interact with people around us. Deprived of communication, there will be no sense of identity. Communication is synonymous with the creation of humans.

Some facts of life… Whatever you want to achieve in life..communication is VITAL to achieve what you want to achieve. Happiness will not be meaningful if you have nobody to share your feelings with. Business is about your ability to “market” your ideas and convincing the other party to “agree” with you. How much you learn depends on how much you listen and interact with the people who teach you. Your ability to “change for the better” depends how much you “know” about yourself.. (intra personal communication).

Consider this… Medical researchers identified that a whole range of health threats can result from the lack of close relationships: A lack of social relationships jeopardizes physical wellbeing to a degree similar to cigarette smoking, high blood pressure etc Socially isolated people are 2-3 times more likely to die earlier than those with strong social ties ( marriage, friendship, religious and community ties all seem to increase longevity). Poor communication can contribute to coronary heart disease

What is the function of communication?

Some functions of communication To inform To share To influence To persuade To discover information To uncover information etc

Major areas incorporated in communication Academic life Professional life Personal life Reflect how it how these areas affect you, your father and mother, your relatives, your love ones and everybody else.

Academic life Most obvious areas are written and oral communication To write well, we need to be able to research effectively, to think critically, to apply appropriately etc Oral communication is not just the ability to speak up, but oral communication involves lots of skill such as critical thinking, systematic and logical development of arguments etc Academic life have many demands

Professional life Employers look for good communicator; see various advertisements - communication is an essential skill. The interview Persuade your colleagues to agree to your ideas Problem solving at work requires communication skills Sales area

Personal life Feel forced to do something? Conflict As a member of a group As a leader of a group As a helper to people in distress As a spouse As a son/daughter etc

What is communication?

Some Definitions of Communication: It is the transfer a message through a medium, from one individual to another individual The process of sending and receiving of messages between individuals, with feedbacks and effects. It is the process of sharing of information, ideas and feelings There are many definitions of communications, read more.

Some definitions of communication: It is the simultaneous sharing and creating of meaning through symbolic interaction ( Seiler and Beall, 2008)

Functions of Communications Communication is a social process to : Seek information To disseminate information To educate To persuade To entertain

Ethics in Communication Honesty Respect Concern for others Open mindedness Clarity No manipulation or coercion Would there be times when there is conflict in terms of ethics?

THERE IS THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN US AND GOD ALSO THERE IS THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN US AND GOD THE END FOR TODAY

References: Seiler, W. J and Beall, M. L ( 2008). Communication. Making Connections ( 7th ed). Boston: Pearson Diamond, R. ( 1997, August 1). “Curriculum reform needed if students are to master core skills”. The Chronicle of Higher education , B7