THE RUDIMENTS OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Let’s start by knowing what we call Communication.

COMMUNICATION

As food and water is crucial to human survival, so does Communication.

Communication pervades every human activity, man cannot do without it.

We are engrossed in it from the time we wake up in the morning until we go back to bed in the night; from birth to death we are in perpetual state of communication.

It is a phenomenon that cuts across the daily activities of human beings. In fact, the pervasive nature of communication makes it impossible for us to ever refuse to communicate as long as we are living. Hence, the axiom; “we cannot not communicate” comes into place.

In view of the above, one will see that communication is very important to man. It is a cord that binds every part of the society together. Human activities and achievements have relationship with communication whether one expresses himself verbally or through non-verbal means, even when a man is presumed silent, he is in a way communicating.

The above assertions therefore show how indispensable communication is to man.

What then is Communication?

Why the need for Communication?

What are the elements/variables associated with Communication?

What can facilitate effective communication or render it ineffective?

These and many other related issues shall judiciously treat subsequently.

 COMMUNICATION DEFINED

The origin of speech communication can be traced to the ancient Homo sapiens (i.e. Neanderthal man).

A suitable definition of it has remained illusory. This is because it is a multi-perspective concept. Its various definitions have only reflected on each author’s perception of it or his ideological learning. But the lack of suitable definition does not negate or obliterate the fact that communication is a ubiquitous activity, which enables us to relate with others everywhere.

For example, numerous studies have confirmed that an individual, in his life, spends 75 percent of each day communicating. One of such studies cited by David Berlo (1960), says “each of us spends 10 to 11 hours a day, every day performing verbal communication behaviours.

Etymologically, the word “Communication” derived its meaning from the Latin word “Comminus” and “Communicare” which means “common” and “to share” respectively.

These meanings clearly underscore that the common idea that Communication is the sharing of commonness or understanding.

From that perspective, Ogbulogo (2004) postulated that “communication aims at sharing of information, ideas and message, making them universal”.

The Encyclopaedia Botanical (Vol.17.p496) also defined communication as the exchange of meanings between individuals through a common system of symbols”.

Communication has been perceived by different people in different light, but one basic thing about it is that it is a means of establishing relationship and sharing of ideas.

In simple terms, communication is defined as the process by which one person (or a group) shares and impacts information to the other person (or group) so that either person (or group) clearly understand one another.

The above definitions show that communication is intentional and purposeful to achieve goals. Communication can however be classified into two form based on their mode.

We have the verbal/oral communication and the non-verbal means of communication.

-The verbal or oral communication involves the verbalization or oral production of sounds through the use of speech organs.

This is the most prevalent form of communication in human activities. Its advantages include immediate feedback from its prospective audience within a limited time without delay. The communicator can also adjust to reaction or feedback of audience to achieve the desired goal.

-The non-verbal communication is the use of body languages such as appearance, eye contact, facial expressions, postures, gestures, touch etc. to communicate. It also involves the use of writing, signs and symbols. These sometimes help to reinforce oral communication to achieve effectiveness.

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS/VARIABLES ASSOCIATED WITH COMMUNICATION?

 The Sender: This refers to the person that initiates the encounter. On getting stimuli inside him, he gets the message internally ready to enable him choose the best code that will be clearly understood by the receiver.

The Message: This is the central point of all forms of communication. Message is also referred to as the opinions, thoughts, idea, intention, information and so on which the sender intends to pass to the receiver.

Channel: This is the thing that carried or conveys one’s message to the receiver. It is also known as the conduit pipe.

The Receiver: This can be a person, group of people or the target audience of whom the intended message is directed to. In communication, it takes two to tango. It needs both the sender and the receiver make communication effective.

Feedback: Simply put, this is the response to the message. When it continues over a period, it produces interaction as both the sender and receiver swap roles.

Noise: Noise is any form of obstacle, disruption, hindrance which is capable of impeding communication. It is pervasive as it is present in all stages of communication process. It functions to remove the amount of information sent as well as its fidelity.

WHY THE NEED FOR COMMUNICATION?

We communicate to persuade, influence relationship, to inform, to share, discover and uncover information.

Communication is a means of facilitating actions and reactions from parties involved in it. It is therefore a very important aspect of human activity. No effective interaction can take place between two people without communication. Business transactions, family issues, education, entertainment and even feeding cannot be made possible without communication. Man needs to express himself on one issue or the other in other to achieve the desired goals and objectives.

WHAT CAN FACILITATE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION OR RENDER IT INEFFECTIVE

Put succinctly, the only factor which on a great magnitude facilitates effective communication and which can as well render communication ineffective is Communication Skills.

Communication skills can therefore be defined as the skills that enable people to communicate effectively with one another.

It involves the choice of the best communication channels for a specific purpose, the technical knowledge of how to use the channel appropriately, the presentation of information in an appropriate manner for the target audience and the ability to understand the messages and responses received from others.

The ability to establish and develop mutual understanding, trust and cooperation is also important.

WHY COMMUNICATION SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT

Experience has shown that many students fail not because they are dullards, but because they do not have the mastery of English Language which is the language of education and business in Nigeria.

More specifically, communication skills include the ability to speak in public, make presentations, write letters, emails, reports etc.

In a recent survey of recruiters for companies, communication skills were cited as the single more important decisive factor in choosing managers.

In spite of the increasing importance placed on communication skills, many individuals continue to struggle with this, thus unable to communicate their thoughts and ideas effectively whether in oral or written formats, thence causing a communication breakdown and creating roadblocks that stand in the way of their success- personally, academically and professionally.

Aside from processing a good diploma or degree, proficiency in the use of English Language or communication skills enhances social mobility by opening doors of opportunity to young graduates.

So much prestige is attached to communicative skills in our society that many job applicants for low, middle and top level positions are often accepted or rejected on the account of their proficiency in the use of language/communication skills. Indeed, a good command of English appears to have been unfairly placed at par with good education in Nigeria.

THE FOUR BASIC COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The four main communication skills and natural order of their acquisition are: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. The natural order followed by a learner or a child in the acquisition of communication skills, includes Listening.

The learner or child starts by listening to sounds around. The next logical step is speaking. 

The learner starts trying to speak, then reading, and finally writing which is where the learner acquires total literacy.

Another kind of relationship between the four listening skills could be seen in their cognitive and interactional orientation. Listening and Reading are regarded as receptive skills. They are channels for receiving or gathering information, in which case their interactional orientation is toward self and incoming, and it is more or less passive. On the other hands, Speaking and Writing are expressive or productive skills because they are both channels for giving out information. The interactional orientation is outgoing and active. These skills are essential to you as a student and in your career.

STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVE ORAL COMMUNICATION

1. Have the courage to say what you think.

2. Practice developing and advanced communication skills.

3. Make eye contact.

4. Use gestures.

5. Pronounce your words correctly.

6. Use the right words.

7. Slow your speech down.

8. Enunciate your words.

9. Manifest constructive attitudes or beliefs

10. Develop effective listening skills

11. Animate your voice.

12. Use appropriate volume.

WRITING AS A PROCESS

1.       PRE-WRITING: These are the activities we are engaged in before the actual writing begins. These activities includes; choosing a topic, gathering materials, gathering ideas, organizing ideas into a single outline.

2.       POST WRITING: At this stage, you read over your works to correct errors and omissions. This is necessary to ensure a quality end-product for efficiency of communication.

3.       WRITING: At this stage, you have to take the pieces of ideas set in your note and put it across to your reader. This is usually in draft. This is the actual writing of the text.

Many people might have now been wondering why this lecture hasn't ended already because perhaps this is the first time they're seeing a lecture this lengthy.

Well, I put it to you that the topic "Rudiments of Effective Communication" is a very profound topic and in a bid to do justice to the topic and to you all, I have decided to prepare it in a way that everyone will have something to gold unto.

It is however important to note that the writing process is not a one-way traffic.

Though the stages are separate, they overlap. 

You should work flexibly, moving forward and backward between the stages as necessary. For instance, you may suddenly remember a material you ought to look at quickly during the planning. If you get stuck you move to different stage. Writing is a skill which can be developed and mastered through practice.

THE 7Cs OF COMMUNICATION

Think of how often you communicate with people during your day. You write emails, text messages, letters, debate with your course mates, roommates, write reports, the list goes on.

We can spend almost our entire day communicating. So how can we provide a huge boost to our productivity? We can make sure that we communicate in the clearest, most effective way possible.

This is why the 7Cs provide a checklist for making sure that your minutes, email, SMS, calls; reports are well constructed and clear so your audience gets your message.

According to the 7Cs, communication needs to be:

Clear,

Concise,

Concrete,

Correct,

Coherent,

Complete and

Courteous.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SKILLS

1. A conscious and contentious effort to master the rule of English Language.

2. Watching out for improvement in speech and pronunciation by listening to native speakers on the electronic media and speakers of Standard English around you. (E.g. broadcasters and educated dramatists and other authentic models)

3. Acquainting yourself with new word by looking up unfamiliar words in your dictionary and using them appropriately when the need arises.

4. Reading extensively for exposure to educated usage will assist you to develop your own style. Striving towards more refined writing skills which include: letters, memos, circulars, notices, articles in newspapers and magazines such as speeches, report, minutes, contract documents and many more.

5. Feel free to talk in English even though you are learning.

CONCLUSION

1. In today’s rapidly changing social and corporate environment, communication is a prerequisite for progress. Mastery of these skills gives one a commanding edge in life.

2. Communicative skills in English is a course mounted in tertiary institutions in Nigeria in order to enhance the communicative competence of students to enable them to learn their courses well and also to perform well in academic, professional and social situations.

At this Juncture, I believe everyone that had keenly followed the lecture to this point should now know their weaknesses in making effective communication and also should have discovered a deterrent on how to gain improvements.

The ability to communicate effectively is the greatest key to success in life. If you don’t want to be treated like a leper, don’t venture into the world without full communication competence in English Language.

I have come to the end of my allotted lecture...

Jejeniwa Olamilekan Samson is an HND 1 student of the noble department of Mass Communication, School of Communication and Information Technology (SCIT) of The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria. He is a freelance writer/journalist and a poet.