subject: How to Communicate Effectively [print this page] People easily dismiss the process of communication to be easy since everyone communicates on a daily basis. It something we have always done. In reality, however, truly communicating with someone is something that takes effort, time, and sincerity. Communication is a two way street. Today, communication lines are numerous but true communication seldom happens. Barriers hinder people from truly communicating. These barriers may be tangible or not but they are very real. Physical Barriers such as distance or space between the sender and receiver often leads to one not hearing the words well. However, with the technological advances in video and call streaming and the internet, proximity is not so much an issue in communication. Language and Cultural Barriers are also things to consider. With people who are not familiar with a groups culture and jargon may end up insulting or misunderstanding the message. Perceptional Barriers are among the most difficult to overcome. This means the way we see things are never exactly the same as how another one would. A thing to you may not be that same thing to me. We see things differently, that is the bottom line and that is what makes us unique. The key to effectively sending a message or receiving one despite this difference is keeping an open mind. Emotional Barriers are never a walk in the park. However, people encounter this barrier more often than any other. Anger, resentment, sadness are just a few of the long list of emotional barriers. Suspicion and mistrust gives way to confusion and misinterpretation. All these lead to ineffective communication. So how do we communicate our thoughts? Organize your thoughts. Think them through and go through them. Dont just say what you think. Communication is irreversible. Once you say something you can not take it back. Control your emotions. Be the master of your feelings. Do not let your emotions make a slave out of you. You are the master of yourself. Act like it. Keep an Open Mind. This will help you with the perceptional barriers. Do not understand the message simply on your own grounds. You are the receiver. Receive the message. Listen. Learn the art of listening. Do not let your thoughts wander. Keep your mind off other things when talking to someone. Focus on what is being said. No one would talk much in society if they knew how often they misunderstood others. - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
