- Means of effective communication are necessary at work, school, home, or in any environment in which people interact with one another. Individuals may communicate verbally, through writing, through body language or in several other ways. Due to modern technology, we are able to communicate via email, phone, and text messages. Writing a book, article, or posting information on the Internet is a way of communicating with a large number of people. Art in its many different forms can be used to convey a message, such as through song, dance, or painting.
- Effective communication takes thought. Individuals have to go beyond knowing the information they want to convey, and take steps towards figuring out how they can present that information to others in a way they can best understand. Differences in spoken languages can be used to demonstrate this idea. If individuals do not speak the same language it is difficult for them to understand one another because they can't communicate through verbal or written methods. They have to find alternative routes to convey the information they wish to share. This may involve gestures, pointing objects out, or drawing pictures. They will use whatever means they have to try to clearly define what they are trying to communicate.
- Listening is a fundamental step in effective communication. If there is one person trying to convey information, the other party has to be receptive to what is being expressed. This does not mean the person has to agree, but rather, he should at least try to understand. When communication involves the exchange of ideas among two or more people, each person involved needs to listen to and understand what the other party is trying to communicate. If there isn't listening among all parties involved, each person will just be expressing himself in vain
- It is important to know the audience or person you're communicating information to as best you can. In this way, you can develop strategies to deliver the information in the way you think it would best reach them. For example, if communicating with children, you would want to find ways to keep them engaged and interested in what is being said so that they absorb the information. The same might apply in a group setting of adults. If communicating with a loved one, you should know them well enough to determine the best method of communication with them, as well as the best time to communicate with them.
- Sometimes attempts at communication can be frustrating. If one or more parties feel like their message is not being understood or respected, tension or even violence can arise. Sometimes it is necessary to have a mediator to help both parties fairly see the others' point of view. A global organization called The Center for Nonviolent Communication offers workshops and training worldwide to teach strategies of nonviolent communication.
