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TRAINING
Being able to communicate is probable
one of the most important of all life skills
We learn to communicate from our parents
or primary caregivers and emulate the way
they communicate.
Communication, at its simplest, is the act of
transferring information from one person to
another. It may be vocally (using voice), written
(using printed or digital media such as books,
magazines, websites or emails), visually (using
logos, maps, charts or graphs) or non-verbally
(using body language, gestures and the tone
and pitch of voice). In practice, it is often a
combination of several of these.
Communication is a two-way process, involving
both sending and receiving a message. It is
imperative that both the sender and receiver
understand the content of the words in
the message sent. If not confusion and
misunderstanding prevail.
Basic verbal communication skills include
paraphrasing, this remedy is to paraphrase
for clarity. Simply say back to the person what
you heard. “So, what I heard you say was.”
The messenger will say either “Yes, that is what
I said.” Or “No, I said.” And then will restate
and clarify the message until they are both on
the same page.
It is crucial for the recipient of the message to
listen actively and to respond appropriately,
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either by asking questions for clarity
or more information or to offer support
to the messenger.
A common error is to respond by taking
the thought away and telling a similar
personal experience which has the effect
on the messenger of not being heard
or being discounted.
Another is interrupting the messenger
when triggered by something being said.
Again discounting and disrupting effective
communication. Being interrupted
or receiving inappropriate responses has
the effect on the messenger to be sabotaged
and reluctant to communicate further
with this person. In this case feedback
to the other person may be appropriate.
Listening is a crucial component to effective
communication. To be heard is important to the
messenger who may be vulnerable in sharing
ideas or personal information. Active listening
may be shown by, gestures like eye contact,
nodding of the head, smiling, etc.
Stay with the messenger and responding
appropriately when they appear to finish.
Asking for more information will most often
be welcomed as an indication of being heard.
Feedback is one of the important communication
skills. It may be risky to let the other person
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