Communication

So many troubles are due to misunderstood or misdirected communications. The confusion and compilation may be due to the infinite combinations and methods we have to communicate such as silence, words said, words not said, voice tone, body language, absenteeism, timeliness, and politeness. Not only do we have infinite ways of communicating, but also we have different contexts (work, school, shopping, home, sporting event), different relationships (parent-child, boss-subordinate, peer, colleague) and different cultural expectations (formality, procedures). Adding further complexity is that the context, relationships, and methods we observe and we participate are dynamic and always changing. We all come with different experiences and expectations with what, when, where, why, and how to communicate. It is not surprising we have challenges communicating with another.

How well do you communicate? Take a communication skills assessment.

How well do you listen? Take a listening skills assessment.

To become more effective in our communication with one another, there are many resources to raise our awareness and provide us techniques. Here are a few links to other sites as well as references to books.

Effective Interpersonal Communication: Tips

Four Principles of Interpersonal Communication

Allyn & Bacon: Interpersonal Communication