INNER ESSENTIALS OF COMMUNICATION

• The word ‘communication’ has been described in the dictionary as ‘the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.’ The efficacy with which one is able to impart information to others will determine how well others are able to process and implement the information. Therefore, the simplicity, clarity and thoroughness with which one communicates with others are of vital importance in order to succeed in life, whether it be in one’s personal life or in the professional arena.

 
Definition
Communication may be defined as the ability to look within oneself and express with words, an understandable and authentic representation of one’s truth.

4C’s of Communication:
1. Connection (Connection involves connection to self and connecting with the person you’re communicating with and establishing that they are, in fact, focused and attentive to your words).
2. Clarity – Structure, employment of a methodical, step-by-step approach,
3. Conciseness – Simple, straightforward, open, interactive, audience-oriented approach
4. Confidence – Spontaneity, full disclosure, honesty, integrity, self-belief, self-esteem, fearless courage

4C’s of Miscommunication:
1. Confusion
2. Compartmentalization
3. Convolution
4. Code (Please remember that people are not mind readers – if yes means no, and no means yes – there will be trouble).

Core Concepts of Communication

• Empathy – The ability to look at matters from the other’s point of view

 

• Self-knowledge – The clarity of thought and emotion to speak calmly and precisely – exactly what needs to be expressed without causing unnecessary conflict or antagonism.

 

• Vision – The intuitive and extraordinary ability to look at matters from the larger perspective, and to have the vision to anticipate the future.

 

• Humility – A rare and useful quality that can break boundaries and open new horizons. By listening and understanding the ideas and views of others, and by absorbing the positives in all, we can learn in every moment of life. Knowledge is one of the keys of life, and vital to communication of every kind. For others Respect is the key.

 

• Listening – Only when we learn to listen wholeheartedly and intently, will we ever be good communicators.

 

• Equipoise – The ability not to be carried away; to be stable in thought and emotion despite provocation from others or situations. Only if we are centered in our self and remain deeply connected within ourselves can we interact without reacting.

 

• Conquering Fear – The fear of a negative response from the audience is universal. Understanding the essential connectedness of all, and having confidence in one’s abilities can go a long way towards conquering fear.

 

• Consciousness – Authenticity and awareness are the most fundamental bases for clear communication.

 

• Care – Care is of prime importance in order to maintain our relationships (Care in speech, action and thought).

 

• Connectedness – The human being can never be totally isolated; and yet we view ourselves as separate from the other – this is an illusion. When we realise that we are all connected and intertwined, there is no need for greed, competition or materialism.

 
We need to realize that there are no shortcuts in life. For fluent communication, a mastery over the language – its vocabulary, cadence, pronunciation, grammar and usage is essential–and requires time, effort & dedication.

Whether in personal life or in the workplace, miscommunications keep occurring, and will continue to, because most people are not even absolutely sure of what they want to say, in their own minds. However, with awareness, training and constant practice of some simple techniques for effective communication, errors, misinterpretations and conflict can be minimized.