Part 3 The Communication Process

Summary

This communication skills video, part of a series, delves into the intricacies of the communication process. The instructor, Ibrahim, illustrates the challenge of transferring concepts accurately using a tree drawing exercise. He explains the roles of sender and receiver, the impact of personal experiences on understanding, and the presence of communication barriers. Key features of effective communication are highlighted, including active listening, eye contact, posture, using simple language, and questioning skills. The video emphasizes the importance of non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone, which account for a significant portion of communication.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Communication is defined as the transfer of a concept, idea, or feeling to another person with the aim of achieving mutual understanding.
• 🎨 The challenge of communication lies in ensuring that the concept or idea is received intact and complete, as demonstrated by the tree drawing exercise.
• 💡 Experiences shape our understanding; for instance, someone who has never seen a tree might not understand the concept as well as someone who has.
• 📡 The communication process involves a sender who encodes a message, a receiver who decodes it, and feedback that completes the cycle.
• 🚧 Communication barriers exist and can impede the transfer of information if not properly addressed.
• 🗣️ According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian, only 7% of communication is based on the spoken word, 38% on tone of voice, and 55% on body language.
• 👂 Active listening is crucial for effective communication, requiring intentional and deliberate focus on understanding the speaker.
• 👀 Eye contact is an important aspect of communication, but it should be balanced to avoid discomfort and be culturally appropriate.
• 💻 Posture plays a role in communication, conveying confidence and engagement, and should be relaxed yet attentive.
• 📝 The use of simple language in communication means adjusting the complexity of speech to match the listener's understanding, not limiting vocabulary.
• ❓ Questioning skills are vital for effective communication, as asking timely, appropriate, and realistic questions can clarify and deepen understanding.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of communication according to the video?

The primary goal of communication is the transfer of a concept, idea, or feeling to another person so that they have the same understanding, ensuring the message arrives intact and complete.

Why did the instructor draw a tree in the video?

The instructor drew a tree to illustrate the challenges of communication, showing how different people might visualize the same concept differently based on their own experiences.

What are the main components of the communication process as described in the video?

The main components of the communication process are the sender, the message, the receiver, and feedback, with barriers in between that can affect the clarity of communication.

According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian, what percentage of communication is made up of the spoken word, voice tone, and body language?

According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian, the spoken word makes up 7%, voice tone 38%, and body language 55% of communication.

What is active listening and why is it important in communication?

Active listening is the intentional and deliberate effort to understand what someone is saying, rather than just hearing the words. It is important because it shows engagement and helps in truly understanding the speaker's message.

How does selective hearing differ from active listening?

Selective hearing is when one only listens to parts of the message that are of personal interest, ignoring the rest. Active listening, on the other hand, involves paying attention to the entire message with the intent to understand the speaker fully.

What is the significance of eye contact in effective communication?

Eye contact signifies that you are paying attention and are engaged in the conversation. It helps establish a connection but should be used judiciously to avoid making the other person uncomfortable.

Why is posture important during communication?

Posture is important because it can convey confidence and relaxation, making the communication process more comfortable for both parties. A relaxed posture can also facilitate clearer articulation of thoughts.

What does 'simple language' mean in the context of effective communication?

Simple language does not mean limited vocabulary but rather adjusting the complexity of your language to match the listener's understanding. It involves using analogies and appropriate vocabulary to make complex ideas understandable.

How can questioning skills improve the effectiveness of communication?

Questioning skills can improve communication by ensuring timely, appropriate, and realistic questions are asked, which can clarify misunderstandings, validate points, and deepen the understanding of the subject matter.

What are some of the barriers that can disrupt the communication process?

Barriers that can disrupt communication include physical, psychological, semantic, and cultural factors that interfere with the sender's ability to convey the message accurately and the receiver's ability to interpret it correctly.