Effective Communication
Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity. Effective communication builds relationships. It is also an essential part of learning and problem-solving. When it comes to all aspects of life, you want to be an excellent communicator to accomplish your goals and move things forward.
Communication is one of the most stressed-out factors globally. Consider a business email that does not include specific instructions. Or an app where the user is trying to figure out what to do. Or a manager who can’t communicate with the team. What a grave disaster it would be!
Have you ever noticed when someone doesn't understand a message? Or acts and messes it up. This occurs because the message was unclear. Its significance is lost in transit. People everywhere emphasize the need for clear communication.
For instance, you are assigned to work on an ‘X’ project. The client suddenly requests you to change a feature to support the product and needed to act at once. You need to analyse the impact of the change in terms of time and resources and share the details but had no idea how to convey them to your team members. This article discusses the importance of good communication skills for tech professionals to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and effective communication, improve internal communication, and enhance their careers.
The foundation of any conversation is a clear message or communication. Uncertain communication, whether professional or personal, can lead to massive errors. It results in loss of revenue, procedural violations, and avoidable confusion.
Communication must be two-way. It has nothing to do with a person's capacity to express themselves. The listener must comprehend the conversation's purpose, incomplete and imprecise communication results in improper behavior on the listener's part.
Characteristics of a Great Conversation
Aside from these modes of communication, there are five major aspects to consider. These are the characteristics of a great conversation.
- Clarity: Make your statement as short and clear as possible to prevent misconceptions
- Conciseness: Communicate your ideas directly and concisely
- Consideration: Consider other people's points of view by showing empathy and understanding
- Completeness: Make sure your message contains every piece of information that is required
- Courtesy: Keep the dialogue cordial, respectful, and considerate
Communication Barriers
There are many barriers when it comes to communication. The five major obstacles that have a significant impact are:
- Semantic Barriers: Language becomes the main barrier when communicating with people from different regions. You may face these problems in your professional life
- Psychological Barriers: Psychological barriers are caused by the emotional and psychological state of the message's sender and recipient. For instance, someone who is stressed cannot communicate effectively
- Organizational Barriers: Organizational barriers are caused by the structure, rules, and regulations present in the organization. Various types of barriers can be encountered in superior-subordinate relationships where free communication is not always possible
- Emotional Barriers: Emotional barriers are mental blocks that restrain you from openly expressing your thoughts and feelings. They affect how you interpret other people's behavior, which ultimately influences how you formulate your arguments. Consequently, these roadblocks interfere with the way you communicate overall
- Cultural Barriers: People from different cultures have different ways of thinking. Many languages and symbols have various cultural connotations. As a result, cultural variance might be a hindrance
Strategies to Overcome Communication Barriers
|
Barriers of Communication |
Strategies to Overcome |
|
Semantic barriers: Language differences and understanding. |
Ask good questions: Clarify any misunderstandings due to language barriers. Maintain your cool: Be patient in explaining or interpreting language differences. |
|
Psychological barriers: Emotional and psychological states affecting communication. |
Stay focused: Avoid distraction from the emotional state and concentrate on the message. Dignity and respect: Show empathy and understanding and be respectful and patient |
|
Organizational barriers: Structure, rules, and regulations affecting communication in an organization. |
Look for the unspoken need: Identify and acknowledge hidden needs or concerns. Dignity and respect: Ensure all parties feel valued and their opinions respected |
|
Emotional barriers: Mental blocks or emotional states preventing open expression. |
Paying attention: Listening attentively can help identify emotional cues and address them. Be curious: Showing curiosity encourages others to open and express themselves more freely. |
|
Cultural barriers: Differences in culture, language, and symbols. |
Don’t fill in gaps: Seek clarification rather than assuming when cultural misunderstandings arise Be curious: Show interest and respect for other cultures to facilitate better understanding |
Simple Matrix View of Overcoming Communication Barriers
|
|
Semantic barriers |
Psychological barriers |
Organization barriers |
Emotional barriers |
Cultural barriers |
|
Paying attention |
|
|
|
✔️ |
|
|
Ask good questions |
✔️ |
|
|
|
✔️ |
|
Be curious |
|
|
|
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
Stay focused |
|
✔️ |
|
|
|
|
Don’t fill in gaps |
|
|
|
|
✔️ |
|
Maintain your cool |
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
|
|
|
Dignity and respect |
✔️ |
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
|
|
Look for the unspoken need |
|
|
✔️ |
✔️ |
|
Tips to Enhance Your Communication Skills
- Use Simple Language: Avoid using complex statements or terms in conversation. It helps to gain more attention
- Keep Your Audience's Attention: Speak slowly. Talking too quickly or slowly can bore the listener
- Improve Your Body Language: Your body language facilitates the transmission of the message. Your body can convey signals
- Maintain Eye Contact: When speaking to a person or a group, making eye contact with people can make the listener more attentive
Remember, it's never too late to improve your communication abilities. To get them, follow the guidelines and practice more.
Benefits of Communication
Communication needs specific skills. Many people communicate, but good communication requires skills.
Here are some of the advantages of having good communication skills:
- Trust: People start to trust you when you communicate well. Try to build positive connections with others. Pay attention, and they will begin to trust you over time
- It Improves Relationships: When you learn how to maintain strong relationships with people, you will undoubtedly begin to build them. Making contact is simple, but keeping it isn’t easy
- Promote Team Building: Everyone wants to hear positive feedback and feel empowered. Make them feel important and they will begin to cooperate with you
- Prevent Problems: Better communication will always keep you out of trouble. When you grasp the nature and problems of the other person, you usually address those problems quite quickly
Conclusion
Good communication improves your interpersonal and relationship skills, the value of utilizing mindfulness when conversing with others, listening with respect, successfully transmitting your thoughts, and, most importantly, developing your connections with other people. Communication breakdowns can arise because of various communication problems attributed to either the sender or the recipient. As a result, understanding the obstacles is essential for efficient communication. Selecting the appropriate communication channel is critical because an inappropriate medium dilutes the message. Being aware of the problems noted and practicing active listening can help you improve the efficacy of your communication.
For a complete walkthrough on the Art of Communication watch our free seminar here.
About Encora
Encora accelerates business outcomes for leading-edge technology clients through superior digital product innovation. Through proprietary agile development capabilities, deep micro-industry vertical expertise, and a global talent pool, we drive transformational outcomes for clients. Our unique delivery model, agile methodology, and consistently unmatched quality have contributed to our steady growth.
At Encora, we strive to create an inclusive, caring culture where people with diverse backgrounds and talents can be their absolute best. Encora shares perspectives on emerging insights, challenges, and trends across the industries in which we work.
Discover the art of communication and build your connection with your audience through human instincts.
Join our team! encorajobs.com
