What are the key components of effective communication. How can you overcome common barriers to communication. What strategies can improve your listening skills. How does body language impact communication effectiveness. Why is emotional awareness crucial in communication.

The Essence of Effective Communication

Effective communication goes beyond mere exchange of information. It encompasses understanding the emotions and intentions behind the message, clearly conveying your thoughts, and listening in a way that captures the full meaning of what’s being said. This comprehensive approach ensures that the other person feels heard and understood.

While communication may seem instinctive, misunderstandings often occur, leading to frustration and conflicts in various relationships. Improving communication skills can significantly enhance connections with others, foster trust and respect, and boost teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Overcoming Barriers to Effective Communication

Several obstacles can hinder effective communication. Recognizing and addressing these barriers is crucial for improving your communication skills:

• Stress and uncontrolled emotions
• Lack of focus and multitasking
• Inconsistent body language
• Negative nonverbal cues

How does stress impact communication? When stressed or emotionally overwhelmed, individuals are more likely to misinterpret others, send confusing nonverbal signals, and resort to unhealthy communication patterns. Learning to manage stress and emotions is essential for maintaining clear and effective communication.

The Pitfalls of Multitasking in Communication

Multitasking during conversations can significantly impair communication effectiveness. Checking your phone, planning your next response, or daydreaming can cause you to miss crucial nonverbal cues. To communicate effectively, it’s important to eliminate distractions and maintain focus on the conversation at hand.

The Power of Engaged Listening

Effective communication is not just about speaking; it’s primarily about listening. Engaged listening involves understanding both the words being spoken and the emotions behind them. This skill allows you to comprehend the speaker’s message fully and make them feel heard and understood.

How does engaged listening differ from simply hearing? Engaged listening requires active participation in the conversation, paying attention to subtle voice intonations that convey emotions. This level of attentiveness not only enhances understanding but also helps build stronger connections between individuals.

Benefits of Engaged Listening

Practicing engaged listening can yield numerous benefits:

• Better understanding of others
• Stronger, deeper connections
• Reduced stress levels
• Improved emotional well-being
• Enhanced ability to calm agitated individuals

Tips for Becoming an Engaged Listener

1. Focus fully on the speaker, avoiding distractions like phones or wandering thoughts.
2. If concentration is challenging, try mentally repeating the speaker’s words to reinforce their message and maintain focus.
3. Favor your right ear, as it’s believed to be more attuned to the emotional nuances of speech.

The Role of Body Language in Communication

Body language plays a crucial role in effective communication. Nonverbal cues should reinforce your spoken message rather than contradict it. Inconsistent body language can lead to perceived dishonesty and misunderstandings.

How does negative body language affect communication? Negative nonverbal cues, such as crossing arms, avoiding eye contact, or tapping feet, can rebuff the other person’s message and create defensiveness. Even if you disagree with what’s being said, it’s important to avoid sending negative signals to maintain effective communication.

Aligning Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

To ensure consistency between your words and body language:

• Be aware of your facial expressions and gestures
• Maintain appropriate eye contact
• Use open and welcoming postures
• Pay attention to your tone of voice

Emotional Awareness in Communication

Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in effective communication. Being aware of your own emotions and those of others can greatly enhance your ability to convey messages clearly and empathetically.

Why is emotional awareness important in communication? Emotional awareness allows you to:

• Understand and manage your own feelings
• Recognize and respond appropriately to others’ emotions
• Navigate challenging conversations with greater ease
• Build stronger, more meaningful relationships

Developing Emotional Awareness

To improve your emotional awareness:

1. Practice mindfulness to stay present in conversations
2. Reflect on your emotional reactions to different situations
3. Seek feedback from others about your communication style
4. Learn to recognize and name different emotions

Assertive Communication: Striking the Right Balance

Assertive communication involves expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and respectfully while also considering the rights and needs of others. It’s a balanced approach that lies between passive and aggressive communication styles.

How can assertive communication improve relationships? By communicating assertively, you can:

• Express your needs and opinions confidently
• Respect others’ viewpoints and boundaries
• Reduce conflicts and misunderstandings
• Build mutual respect and trust

Techniques for Assertive Communication

To communicate assertively:

1. Use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs
2. Practice active listening to understand others’ perspectives
3. Be clear and specific about your requests or concerns
4. Maintain appropriate body language and tone of voice
5. Be willing to compromise and find mutually beneficial solutions

Effective Communication in Digital Spaces

In today’s digital age, a significant portion of our communication occurs through electronic means. Effective digital communication requires adapting traditional communication skills to online platforms while being mindful of the unique challenges they present.

How does digital communication differ from face-to-face interaction? Digital communication often lacks nonverbal cues, making it more prone to misinterpretation. It also allows for asynchronous exchanges, which can affect the flow and immediacy of conversations.

Best Practices for Digital Communication

• Be clear and concise in your messages to avoid misunderstandings
• Use appropriate tone and language for the platform and audience
• Be mindful of response times and set clear expectations
• Use emojis or other visual cues judiciously to convey tone
• Be aware of cultural differences in digital communication norms

Navigating Video Conferencing

Video conferencing has become increasingly prevalent in both professional and personal settings. To communicate effectively in video calls:

1. Ensure your environment is quiet and well-lit
2. Maintain eye contact by looking at the camera
3. Use hand gestures and facial expressions to enhance your message
4. Be mindful of potential audio delays and adjust your speaking pace
5. Practice active listening, even when you’re not on camera

Overcoming Communication Challenges in Diverse Settings

Effective communication becomes even more critical in diverse environments where cultural, linguistic, and personal differences can lead to misunderstandings. Developing cultural competence and adapting your communication style to different contexts is essential for success in our increasingly globalized world.

How can you improve cross-cultural communication? To enhance your ability to communicate across cultures:

• Learn about different cultural communication styles
• Be aware of your own cultural biases and assumptions
• Practice active listening and ask clarifying questions
• Use simple language and avoid idioms or colloquialisms
• Be patient and open-minded when faced with different perspectives

Addressing Language Barriers

When communicating with non-native speakers or in multilingual environments:

1. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
2. Use visual aids or gestures to support your message
3. Be prepared to rephrase or explain concepts in different ways
4. Avoid using jargon or complex terminology
5. Show appreciation for others’ efforts to communicate in a non-native language

Enhancing Communication Skills Through Practice and Feedback

Improving communication skills is an ongoing process that requires consistent practice and reflection. Seeking feedback from others and actively working on areas of improvement can significantly enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

How can you assess and improve your communication skills? Consider the following strategies:

• Record yourself speaking and analyze your tone, pace, and clarity
• Ask trusted friends or colleagues for honest feedback
• Participate in communication workshops or courses
• Join public speaking clubs or practice groups
• Seek opportunities to communicate in various settings and with diverse audiences

The Role of Self-Reflection in Communication Improvement

Regular self-reflection can help you identify patterns in your communication style and areas for growth. After important conversations or presentations, take time to consider:

1. What went well in the interaction?
2. Were there any misunderstandings or points of confusion?
3. How did you handle challenging moments?
4. What could you do differently next time?
5. How did your emotional state affect your communication?

By consistently engaging in this reflective practice, you can gradually refine your communication skills and become more effective in various personal and professional contexts.

Leveraging Technology for Communication Enhancement

While technology can sometimes create barriers to effective communication, it also offers numerous tools and resources for improving communication skills. From language learning apps to AI-powered communication assistants, technological advancements can support your journey towards becoming a more effective communicator.

How can technology aid in communication skill development? Consider exploring:

• Speech analysis apps that provide feedback on your speaking pace and clarity
• Virtual reality platforms for practicing public speaking in simulated environments
• Language exchange apps for improving cross-cultural communication
• Mindfulness and meditation apps to enhance emotional awareness
• Professional networking platforms to practice written communication in various contexts

Balancing Technology and Human Interaction

While leveraging technology can be beneficial, it’s crucial to maintain a balance with face-to-face interactions. To ensure technology enhances rather than hinders your communication skills:

1. Use technology as a supplement to, not a replacement for, in-person communication
2. Be mindful of the appropriate use of technology in different social and professional settings
3. Practice transitioning between digital and face-to-face communication seamlessly
4. Regularly engage in technology-free communication exercises
5. Seek opportunities to apply skills learned through technology in real-world interactions

By thoughtfully integrating technology into your communication skill development, you can harness its benefits while maintaining the essential human elements of effective communication.

Effective Communication – HelpGuide.org

What is effective communication?

Effective communication is about more than just exchanging information. It’s about understanding the emotion and intentions behind the information. As well as being able to clearly convey a message, you need to also listen in a way that gains the full meaning of what’s being said and makes the other person feel heard and understood.

Effective communication sounds like it should be instinctive. But all too often, when we try to communicate with others something goes astray. We say one thing, the other person hears something else, and misunderstandings, frustration, and conflicts ensue. This can cause problems in your home, school, and work relationships.

For many of us, communicating more clearly and effectively requires learning some important skills. Whether you’re trying to improve communication with your spouse, kids, boss, or coworkers, learning these skills can deepen your connections to others, build greater trust and respect, and improve teamwork, problem solving, and your overall social and emotional health.

What’s stopping you from communicating effectively?

Common barriers to effective communication include:

Stress and out-of-control emotion. When you’re stressed or emotionally overwhelmed, you’re more likely to misread other people, send confusing or off-putting nonverbal signals, and lapse into unhealthy knee-jerk patterns of behavior. To avoid conflict and misunderstandings, you can learn how to quickly calm down before continuing a conversation.

Lack of focus. You can’t communicate effectively when you’re multitasking. If you’re checking your phone, planning what you’re going to say next, or daydreaming, you’re almost certain to miss nonverbal cues in the conversation. To communicate effectively, you need to avoid distractions and stay focused.

Inconsistent body language. Nonverbal communication should reinforce what is being said, not contradict it. If you say one thing, but your body language says something else, your listener will likely feel that you’re being dishonest. For example, you can’t say “yes” while shaking your head no.

[Read: Nonverbal Communication and Body Language]

Negative body language. If you disagree with or dislike what’s being said, you might use negative body language to rebuff the other person’s message, such as crossing your arms, avoiding eye contact, or tapping your feet. You don’t have to agree with, or even like what’s being said, but to communicate effectively and not put the other person on the defensive, it’s important to avoid sending negative signals.

Speak to a Licensed Therapist

The world’s largest therapy service. 100% online. Get matched with a professional, licensed, and vetted therapist in less than 48 hours.

Get 20% off

Affiliate Disclosure

Effective communication skill 1: Become an engaged listener

When communicating with others, we often focus on what we should say. However, effective communication is less about talking and more about listening. Listening well means not just understanding the words or the information being communicated, but also understanding the emotions the speaker is trying to convey.

There’s a big difference between engaged listening and simply hearing. When you really listen—when you’re engaged with what’s being said—you’ll hear the subtle intonations in someone’s voice that tell you how that person is feeling and the emotions they’re trying to communicate. When you’re an engaged listener, not only will you better understand the other person, you’ll also make that person feel heard and understood, which can help build a stronger, deeper connection between you.

By communicating in this way, you’ll also experience a process that lowers stress and supports physical and emotional well-being. If the person you’re talking to is calm, for example, listening in an engaged way will help to calm you, too. Similarly, if the person is agitated, you can help calm them by listening in an attentive way and making the person feel understood.

If your goal is to fully understand and connect with the other person, listening in an engaged way will often come naturally. If it doesn’t, try the following tips. The more you practice them, the more satisfying and rewarding your interactions with others will become.

Tips for becoming an engaged listener

Focus fully on the speaker. You can’t listen in an engaged way if you’re constantly checking your phone or thinking about something else. You need to stay focused on the moment-to-moment experience in order to pick up the subtle nuances and important nonverbal cues in a conversation. If you find it hard to concentrate on some speakers, try repeating their words over in your head—it’ll reinforce their message and help you stay focused.

Favor your right ear. As strange as it sounds, the left side of the brain contains the primary processing centers for both speech comprehension and emotions. Since the left side of the brain is connected to the right side of the body, favoring your right ear can help you better detect the emotional nuances of what someone is saying.

Avoid interrupting or trying to redirect the conversation to your concerns. By saying something like, “If you think that’s bad, let me tell you what happened to me.” Listening is not the same as waiting for your turn to talk. You can’t concentrate on what someone’s saying if you’re forming what you’re going to say next. Often, the speaker can read your facial expressions and know that your mind’s elsewhere.

Show your interest in what’s being said. Nod occasionally, smile at the person, and make sure your posture is open and inviting. Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like “yes” or “uh huh.”

Try to set aside judgment. In order to communicate effectively with someone, you don’t have to like them or agree with their ideas, values, or opinions. However, you do need to set aside your judgment and withhold blame and criticism in order to fully understand them. The most difficult communication, when successfully executed, can often lead to an unlikely connection with someone.

[Read: Improving Emotional Intelligence (EQ)]

Provide feedback. If there seems to be a disconnect, reflect what has been said by paraphrasing. “What I’m hearing is,” or “Sounds like you are saying,” are great ways to reflect back. Don’t simply repeat what the speaker has said verbatim, though—you’ll sound insincere or unintelligent. Instead, express what the speaker’s words mean to you. Ask questions to clarify certain points: “What do you mean when you say…” or “Is this what you mean?”

Hear the emotion behind the words. It’s the higher frequencies of human speech that impart emotion. You can become more attuned to these frequencies—and thus better able to understand what others are really saying—by exercising the tiny muscles of your middle ear (the smallest in the body). You can do this by singing, playing a wind instrument, or listening to certain types of high-frequency music (a Mozart symphony or violin concerto, for example, rather than low-frequency rock, pop, or hip-hop).

Skill 2: Pay attention to nonverbal signals

The way you look, listen, move, and react to another person tells them more about how you’re feeling than words alone ever can. Nonverbal communication, or body language, includes facial expressions, body movement and gestures, eye contact, posture, the tone of your voice, and even your muscle tension and breathing.

Developing the ability to understand and use nonverbal communication can help you connect with others, express what you really mean, navigate challenging situations, and build better relationships at home and work.

• You can enhance effective communication by using open body language—arms uncrossed, standing with an open stance or sitting on the edge of your seat, and maintaining eye contact with the person you’re talking to.
• You can also use body language to emphasize or enhance your verbal message—patting a friend on the back while complimenting him on his success, for example, or pounding your fists to underline your message.

Improve how you 

read nonverbal communication

Be aware of individual differences. People from different countries and cultures tend to use different nonverbal communication gestures, so it’s important to take age, culture, religion, gender, and emotional state into account when reading body language signals. An American teen, a grieving widow, and an Asian businessman, for example, are likely to use nonverbal signals differently.

Look at nonverbal communication signals as a group. Don’t read too much into a single gesture or nonverbal cue. Consider all of the nonverbal signals you receive, from eye contact to tone of voice to body language. Anyone can slip up occasionally and let eye contact go, for example, or briefly cross their arms without meaning to. Consider the signals as a whole to get a better “read” on a person.

Improve how you 

deliver nonverbal communication

Use nonverbal signals that match up with your words rather than contradict them. If you say one thing, but your body language says something else, your listener will feel confused or suspect that you’re being dishonest. For example, sitting with your arms crossed and shaking your head doesn’t match words telling the other person that you agree with what they’re saying.

Adjust your nonverbal signals according to the context. The tone of your voice, for example, should be different when you’re addressing a child than when you’re addressing a group of adults. Similarly, take into account the emotional state and cultural background of the person you’re interacting with.

Avoid negative body language. Instead, use body language to convey positive feelings, even when you’re not actually experiencing them. If you’re nervous about a situation—a job interview, important presentation, or first date, for example—you can use positive body language to signal confidence, even though you’re not feeling it. Instead of tentatively entering a room with your head down, eyes averted, and sliding into a chair, try standing tall with your shoulders back, smiling and maintaining eye contact, and delivering a firm handshake. It will make you feel more self-confident and help to put the other person at ease.

Skill 3: Keep stress in check

How many times have you felt stressed during a disagreement with your spouse, kids, boss, friends, or coworkers and then said or done something you later regretted? If you can quickly relieve stress and return to a calm state, you’ll not only avoid such regrets, but in many cases you’ll also help to calm the other person as well. It’s only when you’re in a calm, relaxed state that you’ll be able to know whether the situation requires a response, or whether the other person’s signals indicate it would be better to remain silent.

In situations such as a job interview, business presentation, high-pressure meeting, or introduction to a loved one’s family, for example, it’s important to manage your emotions, think on your feet, and effectively communicate under pressure.

Communicate effectively by staying calm under pressure

Use stalling tactics to give yourself time to think. Ask for a question to be repeated or for clarification of a statement before you respond.

Pause to collect your thoughts. Silence isn’t necessarily a bad thing—pausing can make you seem more in control than rushing your response.

Make one point and provide an example or supporting piece of information. If your response is too long or you waffle about a number of points, you risk losing the listener’s interest. Follow one point with an example and then gauge the listener’s reaction to tell if you should make a second point.

Deliver your words clearly. In many cases, how you say something can be as important as what you say. Speak clearly, maintain an even tone, and make eye contact. Keep your body language relaxed and open.

Wrap up with a summary and then stop. Summarize your response and then stop talking, even if it leaves a silence in the room. You don’t have to fill the silence by continuing to talk.

Quick stress relief for effective communication

When a conversation starts to get heated, you need something quick and immediate to bring down the emotional intensity. By learning to quickly reduce stress in the moment, you can safely take stock of any strong emotions you’re experiencing, regulate your feelings, and behave appropriately.

Recognize when you’re becoming stressed. Your body will let you know if you’re stressed as you communicate. Are your muscles or stomach tight? Are your hands clenched? Is your breath shallow? Are you “forgetting” to breathe?

Take a moment to calm down before deciding to continue a conversation or postpone it.

Bring your senses to the rescue. The best way to rapidly and reliably relieve stress is through the senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell—or movement. For example, you could pop a peppermint in your mouth, squeeze a stress ball in your pocket, take a few deep breaths, clench and relax your muscles, or simply recall a soothing, sensory-rich image. Each person responds differently to sensory input, so you need to find a coping mechanism that is soothing to you.

[Read: Quick Stress Relief]

Look for humor in the situation. When used appropriately, humor is a great way to relieve stress when communicating. When you or those around you start taking things too seriously, find a way to lighten the mood by sharing a joke or an amusing story.

Be willing to compromise. Sometimes, if you can both bend a little, you’ll be able to find a happy middle ground that reduces the stress levels for everyone concerned. If you realize that the other person cares much more about an issue than you do, compromise may be easier for you and a good investment for the future of the relationship.

Agree to disagree, if necessary, and take time away from the situation so everyone can calm down. Go for a stroll outside if possible, or spend a few minutes meditating. Physical movement or finding a quiet place to regain your balance can quickly reduce stress.

Skill 4: Assert Yourself

Direct, assertive expression makes for clear communication and can help boost your self-esteem and decision-making skills. Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in an open and honest way, while standing up for yourself and respecting others. It does NOT mean being hostile, aggressive, or demanding. Effective communication is always about understanding the other person, not about winning an argument or forcing your opinions on others.

To improve your assertiveness

Value yourself and your options. They are as important as anyone else’s.

Know your needs and wants. Learn to express them without infringing on the rights of others.

Express negative thoughts in a positive way. It’s okay to be angry, but you must remain respectful as well.

Receive feedback positively. Accept compliments graciously, learn from your mistakes, ask for help when needed.

Learn to say “no.” Know your limits and don’t let others take advantage of you. Look for alternatives so everyone feels good about the outcome.

Developing assertive communication techniques

Empathetic assertion conveys sensitivity to the other person. First, recognize the other person’s situation or feelings, then state your needs or opinion. “I know you’ve been very busy at work, but I want you to make time for us as well.”

Escalating assertion can be employed when your first attempts are not successful. You become increasingly firm as time progresses, which may include outlining consequences if your needs are not met. For example, “If you don’t abide by the contract, I’ll be forced to pursue legal action.”

Practice assertiveness in lower risk situations to help build up your confidence. Or ask friends or family if you can practice assertiveness techniques on them first.

Last updated or reviewed on February 27, 2023

Relationships and communication – Better Health Channel

Actions for this page

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

• Communication is important in relationships. We need to talk openly and be good listeners.
• Most people can learn how to communicate more effectively.
• Share positive feelings about your partner with them.
• It is better to act early if you are having difficulties, rather than waiting for the situation to get worse.

Importance of communication

Good communication is an important part of all relationships and is an essential part of any healthy partnership. All relationships have ups and downs, but a healthy communication style can make it easier to deal with conflict and build a stronger and healthier partnership.

We often hear how important communication is, but not what it is and how we can use good communication in our relationships.

What is communication?

By definition, communication is the transfer of information from one place to another. In relationships, communication allows to you explain to someone else what you are experiencing and what your needs are. The act of communicating not only helps to meet your needs, but it also helps you to be connected in your relationship.

Communicating clearly in a relationship

Talk to each other. No matter how well you know and love each other, you cannot read your partner’s mind. We need to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings that may cause hurt, anger, resentment or confusion.

It takes 2 people to have a relationship and each person has different communication needs and styles. Couples need to find a way of communicating that suits their relationship. Healthy communication styles require practice and hard work. Communication will never be perfect all the time.

Be clear when communicating with your partner, so that your message can be received and understood. Double check your understanding of what your partner is saying.

When you talk to your partner, try to:

• set aside time to talk without interruption from other people or distractions like phones, computers or television
• think about what you want to say
• be clear about what you want to communicate
• make your message clear, so that your partner hears it accurately and understands what you mean
• talk about what is happening and how it affects you
• talk about what you want, need and feel – use ‘I’ statements such as ‘I need’, ‘I want’ and ‘I feel’
• accept responsibility for your own feelings
• listen to your partner. Put aside your own thoughts for the time being and try to understand their intentions, feelings, needs and wants (this is called empathy)
• share positive feelings with your partner, such as what you appreciate and admire about them, and how important they are to you
• be aware of your tone of voice
• negotiate and remember that you don’t have to be right all the time. If the issue you are having is not that important, try to let the issue go, or agree to disagree.

Non-verbal communication

When we communicate, we can say a lot without speaking. Our body posture, tone of voice and the expressions on our face all convey a message. These non-verbal means of communicating can tell the other person how we feel about them.

If our feelings don’t fit with our words, it is often the non-verbal communication that gets ‘heard’ and believed. For example, saying ‘I love you’ to your partner in a flat, bored tone of voice, gives 2 very different messages. Notice whether your body language reflects what you are saying.

Listening and communication

Listening is a very important part of effective communication. A good listener can encourage their partner to talk openly and honestly. Tips for good listening include:

• Keep comfortable eye contact (where culturally appropriate).
• Lean towards the other person and make gestures to show interest and concern.
• Have an open, non-defensive, fairly relaxed posture with your arms and legs uncrossed.
• Face the other person – don’t sit or stand sideways.
• Sit or stand on the same level to avoid looking up to or down on the other person.
• Avoid distracting gestures such as fidgeting with a pen, glancing at papers, or tapping your feet or fingers.
• Be aware that physical barriers, noise or interruptions will make good communication difficult. Mute telephones or other communication devices to ensure you are really listening.
• Let the other person speak without interruption.
• Show genuine attention and interest.
• Use assertive statements like ‘I feel…about…’, ‘What I need is…’.
• Be aware of your tone.
• Be prepared to take time out if you are feeling really angry about something. It might be better to calm down before you address the issue.
• Ask for feedback on your listening from the other person.

Improving communication in a relationship

Open and clear communication can be learnt. Some people find it hard to talk and may need time and encouragement to express their views. These people may be good listeners, or they may be people whose actions speak louder than their words.

You can help to improve your communication by:

• building companionship – sharing experiences, interests and concerns with your partner, and showing affection and appreciation
• sharing intimacy – intimacy is not only a sexual connection. Intimacy is created by having moments of feeling close and attached to your partner. It means being able to comfort and be comforted, and to be open and honest. An act of intimacy can be as simple as bringing your partner a cup of tea because you can tell they are tired
• finding one or 2 key issues you can agree on, such as how finances are distributed, a goal you have, or your parenting styles or strategies.

To improve the way you communicate, start by asking questions such as:

• What things cause conflict between you and your partner? Are they because you are not listening to each other?
• What things bring you happiness and feelings of connection?
• What things cause you disappointment and pain?
• What things don’t you talk about and what stops you talking about them?
• How would you like your communication with your partner to be different?

If possible, ask these questions with your partner and share your responses. Consider, and try, ways to communicate differently. See whether the results improve your communication.

When you are more aware of how you communicate, you will be able to have more control over what happens between you. While it may not be easy at first, opening up new areas of communication can lead to a more fulfilling relationship.

Some things are difficult to communicate

Most of us find some experiences or topics difficult to talk about. It may be something that is painful or makes us feel uncomfortable. For example, some people find it difficult to express their emotions. It is often the things that cannot be talked about that hurt the most.

If you are having difficulty expressing yourself, or talking with your partner about something, you might find it helps to talk to a counsellor.

Managing conflict with communication

Tips for how to manage conflict with communication include:

• Avoid using the silent treatment.
• Don’t jump to conclusions. Find out all the facts rather than guessing at motives.
• Discuss what actually happened. Don’t judge.
• Learn to understand each other, not to defeat each other.
• Talk using the future and present tense, not the past tense.
• Concentrate on the major problem, and don’t get distracted by other minor problems.
• Talk about the problems that hurt your or your partner’s feelings, then move on to problems about differences in opinions.
• Use ‘I feel’ statements, not ‘You are’ statements.

Seeking help for communication issues

If you can’t seem to improve the communication in your relationship, consider talking with a relationship counsellor. Counsellors are trained to recognise the patterns in a couple’s communication that are causing problems and to help change those patterns, as well as providing strategies, tips and a safe place to explore issues.

You could also consider doing a course that is relevant to your relationship. It is better to act early and talk to someone about your concerns, rather than wait until things get worse.

Where to get help

• A counsellor
• Relationships AustraliaExternal Link Tel. 1300 364 277
• Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)External Link Tel. (03) 9486 3077
• 1800 RESPECTExternal Link Tel. 1800 737 732
• Beyond BlueExternal Link Tel. 1300 22 4636
• Family Relationship Advice LineExternal Link Tel. 1800 050 321
• MensLine AustraliaExternal Link Tel. 1300 78 99 78
• QlifeExternal Link Tel. 1800 184 527
• WIRE (Women’s Information and Referral Exchange)External Link Tel. 1300 134 130

• Partners: a guide to successful adult relationshipsExternal Link, Relationships Australia.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved
by:

Give feedback about this page

Was this page helpful?

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 24-02-2022

The concept of communication. Structures and types of communication. — Logoprofy.ru

The concept of communication

Communication – is a multifaceted process of interaction between people, generated by the needs of joint activities.

In the process of communication, a message is transmitted and received using verbal and non-verbal means. The process of communication includes both direct and feedback, resulting in the exchange of information between the participants in communication, its perception and knowledge by them, as well as their influence on each other and interaction.

Communication is inherent in all higher living beings. Human communication is the most perfect type of communication, since the process of communication occurs consciously and is mediated by speech.

Structure of communication:

1) communicative-informative component – transfer of information and feedback, which is based on psychological contact;

2) the cognitive aspect is based on mutual perception and understanding of each other by people;

3) interactive aspect – the interaction of people with each other.

Structure of interaction in communication:

1) physical contact;

2) movement in space;

3) joint group or mass action;

4) spiritual verbal contact;

5) non-verbal information contact.

Interactions are:

1) intrapersonal;

2) interpersonal;

3) personal-group;

4) personal-mass;

5) intergroup;

6) mass group.

Communication is characterized by the presence of content and goals.

Content refers to information that is transmitted in the process of communication from one living being to another. This information may contain information about the internal motivational state of a living being, about existing needs, counting on potential participation in their satisfaction. Thanks to communication, data on emotional states (sadness, suffering, joy, anger, satisfaction, etc.) can be transmitted from one being to another, aimed at setting up another living being for contact.

Through communication from one living being to another, information can be transmitted about the state of the external environment, signals about danger, or about the presence somewhere nearby of positive, biologically significant factors (food, water, another creature).

The content of human communication is much broader than that of animals. In the process of communication, people exchange information with each other, representing knowledge about the world, rich life experience, knowledge, abilities, skills and abilities. Human communication is characterized by multi-subject and versatility.

The purpose of animal communication may be to incite another living being to certain actions, a warning that it is necessary to refrain from any action.

The goals of human communication are much broader, they include the transfer and acquisition of objective knowledge about the world, the coordination of reasonable actions of people in their joint activities, training and education, the establishment and clarification of personal and business relationships, the satisfaction of social, cultural, cognitive, creative, aesthetic, intellectual and moral needs.

When communicating, three zones of perception of space are distinguished:

1) intimate (20-30 centimeters to the human body) – only very close people are allowed in, except when such contacts are caused by social necessity

2) personal (one meter to the human body) – people with whom equal relations are established are allowed;

3) social (three meters to the human body) – almost everyone is allowed in, except for those who are not pleasant to a person and cause him discomfort.

Knowing the patterns of communication is very important for both a teacher and a doctor, lawyer, businessman.

Types of communication.

Types of communication by content:

1) material – the exchange of objects and products of activity, which serve as a means of satisfying their actual needs;

2) cognitive – the transfer of information that broadens one’s horizons, improves and develops abilities;

3) conditioning – exchange of mental or physiological states, influencing each other, calculated to bring a person into a certain physical or mental state;

4) activity – exchange of actions, operations, skills).

5) motivational communication consists in the transfer of certain motives, attitudes or readiness to act in a certain direction to each other.

Types of communication by purpose :

biological communication is associated with the satisfaction of basic organic needs and is necessary for the maintenance, preservation and development of the organism;

social communication is aimed at expanding and strengthening interpersonal contacts, establishing and developing interpersonal relationships, personal growth of the individual.

Types of communication by means:

special means and tools for organizing communication and information exchange (natural (stick, thrown stone, footprint on the ground, etc.) or cultural (sign systems, recording symbols on various media, print, radio, television, etc.). ) items).

3) direct communication is built on the basis of personal contacts and direct perception by each other of communicating people in the very act of communication (for example, bodily contacts, conversations of people with each other, etc.).

4) indirect communication occurs through intermediaries, which may be other people (for example, negotiations between conflicting parties at the interstate, international, group, family levels).

Other types of communication:

1) business communication is a private moment of any joint activity of people. It serves as a means of improving the quality of these activities;

2) personal communication is characterized by a concentration mainly around psychological problems of an internal nature, those interests and needs that deeply and intimately affect a person’s personality (search for the meaning of life, determining one’s attitude to a significant person, to what is happening around, resolving some or internal conflict, etc. ).

3) instrumental communication is communication that is not an end in itself, is not stimulated by an independent need, but pursues some other goal, in addition to obtaining satisfaction from the very act of communication;

4) targeted communication serves as a means of satisfying the need for communication.

5) non-verbal communication occurs through facial expressions, gestures and pantomime, through direct sensory or bodily contacts (tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory and other sensations and images received from another person). Non-verbal forms and means of communication are inherent not only to humans, but also to some higher animals (dogs, monkeys and dolphins). In most cases, non-verbal forms and means of human communication are innate. They allow people to interact with each other, achieving mutual understanding at the emotional and behavioral levels;

6) Verbal communication is a human prerogative and requires language acquisition as a prerequisite. It provides a person with broad communication opportunities and is much richer than all types and forms of non-verbal communication, although in life it cannot completely replace it.

Handbook for child psychologists: Psychological “Story Cubes” for children

Communication. Great Russian Encyclopedia

Mental, psychophysiological processes or phenomena

Communication, the process of establishing and developing contacts between people, which includes the exchange of information, the development of a unified interaction strategy, the perception and understanding of another person. Accordingly, there are three aspects in communication: communicative, interactive and perceptual. The term “communication” in Russian psychology is often used as a synonym for communication in a broad sense, but in a narrower sense, the term “communication” characterizes only the exchange of information (i.e., only one of the aspects of communication). The development of a unified interaction strategy (the interactive aspect of communication) implies the intersubjectivity of the sign, i. e., a single or similar system for encoding and decoding messages among the participants in the interaction, due to which, even with the most severe speech disorders with almost no understanding of the speech message, the patient retains the ability to distinguish the message transmitted in the native language from a message in a foreign language (Boller . 1972). The formation of the image of another person – his perception and understanding (the perceptual aspect of communication) is achieved by “reading” (S. L. Rubinshtein) behind the physical characteristics of a person his psychological properties and characteristics. The mechanisms of “reading” are the processes of comparison and interpersonal decentration, identification, apperception (anticipation) and reflection.

Communication plays a paramount role in a person’s life, it is a way and a condition for the social development of the individual and its effective functioning (Leontiev, 2008). Communication is a “through mechanism” for changing the leading activity in children and developing the entire mental sphere of the child, which can be traced, in particular, in the course of a gradual transition from direct emotional communication in a preschooler to object-effective situational communication in schoolchildren, up to extra-situational intimate-personal communication in children. adolescents (Lisina. 1997). As shown by numerous studies of the syndrome of hospitalism in children brought up in orphanages, the lack of full-fledged communication leads to a lag in both cognitive and speech development of these children (Glozman. 2017).

Any forms of communication are specific types of joint activity (independent or integral part and at the same time the conditions for another, non-communicative activity) (Andreeva, 2012). The motivation of communication in most cases coincides with the motivation of the type of activity in which communication is included. An exception may be some specific professional situations (the activities of a speaker, lecturer, actor, etc.), in which communication acquires independent motivation.

Activities and communication are two inseparable aspects of an individual’s social existence. People always communicate in the process of some activity, which can be considered as a condition for communication, and at the same time, communication, being an indispensable element of activity, ensures all its other forms. The variety of forms of activity determines the variety of forms of communication. The characteristics of business communication (with strictly regulated goals, motives and methods of organizing communication) are different from informal and unregulated interpersonal communication. In the process of communication, interaction and correlation of oneself with the “other”, the image of the Self is revealed and formed, relationships and semantic connections with other people are established, the attitudes and behavior of communicating people change. The highest form of interpersonal communication is dialogue.

The means of communication (verbal and non-verbal) genetically go back to the means and objects of people’s material activities, which is confirmed, for example, by the data of typhlosandology pedagogy: material communication with the help of real objects allows the formation of specific communication means in deaf-blind-mute children, for example, the perception of speech with the help of tactile sensations. There is evidence that a person receives and transmits 85% of all information using non-verbal means of communication (gestures, facial expressions, intonations, etc.) (Leontiev. 2008; Psychology of communication. 2011).

Speech as a means of communication goes through a rather long path of ontogenetic development, including the preverbal stage, when the child does not yet speak and does not understand the speech addressed to him (although he perceives some non-verbal signals), but he forms the prerequisites for verbal communication (selective and more an active orienting reaction to speech sounds compared to non-speech sounds, the formation of a sound repertoire: for example, starting from the age of three months, differences in sounds [a] in crying and in vocalizations made by infants when communicating with their mother are revealed). Then comes the stage of initial verbal communication, when the child begins to understand and pronounce simple statements. At the same time, the child begins to speak only in communication with an adult and only when he is faced with the task of understanding the speech addressed to him and responding to it.

By about the age of three, a child develops a structure of the life world characteristic of a person, which can be represented as an ellipse with two focuses – “I” and “Other”, – suggesting not only distinction, but also potential interaction. The signal for the formation of this structure is the appearance in the child’s speech of personal pronouns: “I will eat” instead of “Vanya will eat.” Such a structure arises at a certain stage of the ontogenetic development of self-consciousness, when a person realizes himself as existing for another, the consciousness of his singularity develops into the consciousness of his peculiarity and the image of the Self is formed, which is woven into the motivational-required sphere and thereby fulfills the regulatory function. All these transformations occur not due to introspection, but through interaction with other people, in the process of communication (Glozman, 2017).

The need and activity for communication is maximum in the period from 12 to 20 years (with the maximum activity of communication at the age of 18–20 years), then the need for communication decreases somewhat and remains constant for this person (Maksimova, 1983).

In order for communication to be successful, it is necessary to preserve (adequate) at least four main interconnected links: motivation (inducement to communicate), operational possibilities of communication, control over the flow of communication and supra-individual (social) conditions (context) of communication. Violations or lack of formation of communication lead to a significant distortion of a person’s personality (Glozman. 2017).

The connection between personality changes and communication defects is studied by neuropsychology. This relationship is manifested especially clearly in the phenomenon of a “vicious circle” in speech disorders, when a pathological personal reaction in the form of “fear of speech” prevents the actualization of even the patient’s communication opportunities, and the impossibility of communication further enhances the “fear of speech” and other neurotic personality changes. Inadequate methods of psychological defense in case of violations or unformed communication skills, for example, in stuttering, may be associated with defects in the image of verbal communication and its supersignificance for the subject (Glozman, 2021). The reason for the lack of formation is the contradiction between the high motivation for communication and the lack of operational means for its implementation.

The specific nature of the relationship between personality changes and communication disorders depends on which link in the communication process (operational, motivational, or control link) is predominantly impaired (Glozman, 2017). The contradiction between the operational and motivational aspects of communication in aphasia or stuttering, or between the operational side and the link of control in frontal brain lesions or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children, leads to a halt in the development of the personality and to a violation of the entire system of its interpersonal relationships and communication as a whole. To resolve this contradiction, a favorable change in life circumstances is not enough; a special psychotherapeutic and neuropsychological impact is needed. The restoration of the possibilities of verbal and non-verbal communication contributes to the positive dynamics of the development of the individual, which is reflected both in her behavior and in the sphere of interpersonal perception and interpersonal relationships with others.