A Definition of Communication

What is Communication and How Important is It?

Of course you have been using interpersonal communication and communicating with others, from the moment of birth.

An infant cries and thrashes around, communicates a need, and gets a result--food, a clean diaper, the comfort of being held by its mother.

An infant does not have to ask “What is communication?” He just knows...

In many ways, you are like an infant. You use a combination of nonverbal communication and verbal communication.

You think, speak and use your body to communicate both your thoughts and your feelings.

Types of Communication

Here are some of the aspects of communication:

Interpersonal Communication

We communicate a message to another person. Sometimes this is verbally, sometimes written and sometimes we use non-verbal communication.

The person receiving the message interprets that message and decides on its meaning. Their understanding is based on the message, the words or body language used, and their previous experiences.

Even if ideas and feelings are appropriately and effectively shared, effective communication also needs an active listener.

It takes two to tango, when you are involved in interpersonal communication.

For example, do you remember a time when you made arrangements to meet a friend--and one of you didn’t show up?

Assuming that you both remembered your appointment, one of you goofed.

The mis-communication that occurred was either because one of you was not clear in their directions, or one of you didn’t listen carefully to the other.

As a result, you either never met, or your meeting was postponed.

This is a good example of the importance of communication skills --and that includes both communicating and listening!

Nonverbal Communication

• The position of your body
• Eye contact
• Tone of voice
• Motions that you make
• Indicators of interest or disinterest

The definition of communication for nonverbal communication includes the fact that non-verbal communication is not always intentional.

In other words, we often communicate messages, using body language--and we don’t know we are doing it.

In a way, body language is subconscious--unless you are aware of what it means and how to use body language to your advantage.

For example, you will have a great advantage in business, if you know how to use nonverbal communication.

Or, if you are looking for Mr. Right--you will be able to interpret signals and messages that Mr. Right doesn’t even know he’s giving...

Non-verbal actions affect the meaning of your message. This includes your facial expressions, level of eye contact and the tone of your voice.

The listener takes into consideration all aspects of your message, either consciously or subconsciously.

Distractions in Communication

• External noise - Ever try to have a conversation with a neighbor, while an airplane was flying overhead? Or talk on the phone when your child was demanding lunch?

  Noises in the background and demands for our attention interfere with your ability to fully concentrate on the conversation. In fact, you may only hear and process part of the conversation, because your attention is divided.

• Internal noise - Most of us don’t actually hear voices in our heads--but we do hear thoughts. And many of us divide our attention between what we are thinking and what we are listening to.

  For example, do you ever remember a time when you were thinking about what you needed to do on the way home from work--while talking with a co-worker who was telling you about the Little League game last Saturday? Do you think you heard and assimilated the whole story?

  In order to have a good conversation, with good give and take, you need to be fully present, in the moment--and you need to ignore your internal noise.

• Semantic noise - Often cultural, this occurs when two people interpret the same word or phrase differently.

  Your previous experiences have created a definition for the "symbol" you are trying to convey, but the person you are speaking to may decode a word or phrase differently, based on his background.

  Unfortunately, words that are derogatory often cause semantic noise.
  
  

  Mirroring or Giving Feedback

  The definition of communication could certainly include mirroring, as mirroring is a way to check whether your communicating with someone else is working.

  Mirroring is when you repeat what you heard to the person who said it--to make sure that you heard what they intended to say.

  Feedback helps to clarify.

  This is where you respond to the person and reflect back the meaning you think you have received. “Did you mean….?” “Okay, I’ll meet you at the Sunshine Café, Tuesday at 11am, is that right?”

  The person who originally delivered the message has the opportunity to clarify any misunderstanding. As a result, everyone is clear on what was said, intended and delivered.

  As you can see, the definition of communication includes quite a few aspects. We communicate with our voices, our pens (writing), computers, and our bodies.

  Understanding the meanings of the various types of communication, gives you power to use communication effectively in your home and business life.
  
  

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