Effective Communication

Effective Communication

is crucial for working successfully with others

enables to maintain relationships accomplishes tasks with both individuals

and groups motivates helps to overcome obstacles creates a relaxed, comfortable, trustful and

psychologically safe feeling

What is Communication?

„Communication is a dynamic process that individuals use to exchange ideas, relate experiences and share desires through speaking, writing, gestures or sign language.“

Glenn & Smith, 1998

Krallmann, Ziemann, 2001

Components of Communication anthropological component

social component

signal component

process component

Krallmann/ Ziemann, 2001

communication happens between at least two human beings.

participants have certain intensions when communicating and understanding each other

during communication participants refer to a socially adapted set of signs in order to transmit a message.

there are continuous changes during communication

One can't not-communicate! Any kind of behaviour is communication Communication is an interactive process of sending and

receiving messages Communication can be seen as the link between the

sender’s and receiver’s internal experiences.

!

The effectiveness of any communication depends on how closely the receiver’s understanding matches the sender’s intent

Sender and Receiver SIGNAL

SENDER RECEIVER

The only message that matters is the one the other person receives

!Schulz von Thun, 2001

encodes the meaning in his mind to a signal

deciphers this signal so that a similar meaning is stimulated in his mind

= a recognisable term, the sum of the messages in interpersonal communication

Four sides of a message

SENDER RECEIVER

SIGNAL

Factual information

Relationship

Self-revelation

App

eal

SIGNAL

Schulz von Thun, 2001

Factual information explains the fact

Self-revelation expresses the sender himself and his feelings

Relationship expresses what the sender expects from the receiver

and what kind of relationship (contact) exists between the parties

Appeal seeks to have an influence on the other

Explanations of the four sides

Few tips towards Active Listening:

Understand your own communication style.

Be an active listener.

Use normal communication.

Give Feedback

Improving Body Language - Tips

• Keep appropriate distance• Touch only when appropriate• Take care of your appearance• Be aware - people may give false cues • Maintain eye contact• Smile genuinely

Thank You