Communication
Outlines
Introduction
Definition of communication
Elements of communication
Types of communications
Communication process
Characteristics of effective communication
Barriers to effective communication Tools for effective counseling
What is Communication?
Communication can be defined as
the process by which people share ideas,
experience, knowledge and feelings
through the transmission of symbolic
messages.
The means of communication are
usually spoken or written words, pictures
or symbols. But we also give information
through body language, gestures, and
looks, facial expressions can show how we
feel and what we think about an issue or
another person.
What are the most common ways
we communicate?
ages
al I m
Visu
Word
en
Spok
Bod
y Lan
Written Word gua
ge
Types of Communication
Downwards Communication : Highly Directive, from Senior
to subordinates, to assign duties, give instructions, to inform
to offer feed back, approval to highlight problems etc.
Upwards Communications : It is non directive in nature from
down below, to give feedback, to inform about
progress/problems, seeking approvals.
Lateral or Horizontal Communication: Among colleagues,
peers at same level for information level for information
sharing for coordination, to save time.
HIERARCHY LEVEL
Executive Director
Manager
Vice President
A.G.M.
Supervisor 1 Supervisor 2 Supervisor 3
Manager
Supervisor
Horizontal Comm.
Forman
Communication Key Elements
•Message
•Source (sender)
•Channel
•Receiver
•Filter
•Feedback
The Communication Process
Medium
Barrier
SENDER RECEIVER
(encodes) (decodes)
Barrier
Feedback/Response
Characteristics of effective communications
Effective communication requires the message to be:
Clear and concise
Accurate
Relevant to the needs of the receiver
Timely
Meaningful
Applicable to the situation
Characteristics of effective
communications
Effective communication requires the sender to:
Know the subject well
Be interested in the subject
Know the audience members and
establish a rapport with them
Speak at the level of the receiver
Choose an appropriate communication
channel
Characteristics of effective
communications
The channel should be:
Appropriate
Affordable
Appealing
Characteristics of effective
communications
The receiver should:
Beaware, interested, and willing to
accept the message
Listen attentively
Understand the value of the
message
Provide feedback
Characteristics of effective communicator
An effective verbal An effective nonverbal
communicator: communicator:
Clarifies Relaxes
Listens Opens up
Encourages empathically Leans toward the other
person
Acknowledges
Establishes eye contact
Restates/repeats
Shows appropriate facial
expressions
Barriers to communication
• Language
• Values and beliefs
• Gender and age
• Economic status
• Educational level
• Physical barriers
• Attitude
• Timing
• Understanding of message
• Trust
Overcoming Communication Barriers
Use of Simple Language
Reduction and elimination of noise levels
Active Listening
Emotional State
Simple Organizational Structure
Avoid Information Overload
Give Constructive Feedback
Proper Media Selection
Communication and new
technologies
Communication in different
situations
Success for YOU…
…in the new global and diverse
workplace requires
excellent communication skills!
