The Importance of Communicating Effectively By Aaron J. Lewis, Graduate Student, Urban Youth Development Program

Most of us desire to be better communicators. As leaders, co-workers, team members, and in the multiple roles we play both professionally and personally, communication is the key to success. The purpose of communication is to get a message across to others that involves both the sender of the message and the receiver. A message is only successful when both the sender and the receiver perceive it in the same way.

Importance of effective communication
In spite of the increased importance placed on communication, many individuals continue to struggle with this skill and are unable to communicate his or her thoughts and ideas effectively. This includes communicating in both written and oral format. This innate inability makes it nearly impossible for them to compete effectively in the workplace, and stands in the way of career progression. Ensuring your message is understood is paramount to progressing. To do this, you must understand your message, the audience you are sending it to, and how the audience will perceive the message.

Importance of removing barriers
In order to communicate effectively, you must remember the importance of removing all barriers. Communication barriers pop-up at every stage of the communication process (sender, message, channel, receiver, and feedback). These barriers potentially create misunderstanding and confusion. To be an effective communicator and to get your point across without misunderstandings and confusion, you should lessen the frequency of these barriers with clear, concise, accurate, well-planned communications. The communication process is listed below:

• Sender: Your goal is to establish credibility. Establishing credibility involves displaying knowledge of the subject and the audience.
• Message: Messages are written, oral, or non-verbal forms of communication and are directly related to the sender. Messages are affected by the sender's tone, method of organization, point of view, as well as individual style of communicating.
• Channel: Describes the way a message is delivered. Messages are conveyed, with verbal (face-to-face, telephone and videoconferencing), and non-verbal (letters, emails, memos, and reports).
• Receiver: As the receiver of the message, you interpret what the sender is trying to communicate.
• Feedback: Feedback is the understanding or the reaction to the message from the sender to receiver, or vice versa. Feedback can be verbal or non-verbal.

Importance of transitioning communication skills
As you transition into the workforce, you need to continue to foster good communication skills. To ensure successful communications within your organization, it is best to start with the very basics such as your knowledge of verbal and non-verbal communications. In the workplace, verbal and non-verbal communications are continually exchanged, often without much planning or even the thought that such communications are taking place.

Enhancing your communication
Here are a few tips to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication:

• Gestures compliment and contradict your message, be mindful of this.
• Eye contact is important in sending and receiving messages. Eye contact can be a signal of interest, recognition, or even a sign of honesty and credibility.
• Facial expressions reflect attitudes and emotions.
• Good posture effectively communicates a message.
• Dress for your job; show respect for the values and conventions of your organization.
• Be mindful of people's personal space when communicating. Do not invade personal space by getting too close, and do not confuse communication by being too far away.

Strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills are essential in all facets of life. The development of good communication skills take time, patience, and practice, but is highly beneficial. In order to continue climbing the career ladder, and to increase your chances of success in life, you need to be mindful of effective communication strategies. A healthy knowledge of communication skills increases your ability to exchange ideas and thoughts with others.

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