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Communication in all its forms requires a receiver, someone to whom we, as senders, wish to convey a message. To be heard is not enough; we must be understood. Without this interpersonal interaction, there is no communication. Without comprehension, there is no communication, only words on air.

It is the first principle of communication that we communicate with one another, not to one another. The media in all its forms spews forth information with the intention of reaching an audience. Though this seems like a one sided conversation (an impossibility) the media personal do seek out feedback, through ratings, through website hits, through reader and viewer comments.

For our communications to be effective, we must evaluate feedback, and determine if the recipients of our messages not only heard us, but also understand our meaning and intent.

Just as importantly as what we say is how we say it. To stand before a group of employees with the intent of boosting morale, only to slump our shoulders and mutter the supposedly motivating words will not bring that group to its feet in a frenzy of desire to do well for the company. It will convey to the gathered group their motivation is not a priority, and this meeting is an exercise in futility.

Effective communication is dependent not only on word choice, but also body language, tone, the timbre of our voices. Written communications, to, have underlying qualities, and recipients, consciously or unconsciously, interpret these as part of the intent.

Just as important as our being able to develop communication systems through word choice, body language and voice is the skill of understanding feedback and messages directed to us.

When we wish to be effective communicators, we must understand the dynamics of being the receiver as well as the sender. The act of listening is not only auditory. It is visual, and often tactile, as when the sender touches the shoulder or arm of the person he or she is speaking with. When we are the receivers, we observe facial expressions, body movement and gestures to better evaluate the sincerity of the sender and to fully comprehend his or her intentions.

Effective communication is based on our ability to construct a message and support its intent with visual and auditory clues for the receiver. Effective communication is based on our ability to receive, interpret and comprehend messages sent to us.

The ability to effectively communicate is a learned skill, and art form made of words, voice, body language, gestures, and facial expressions. The basic principles remain the same, whether the communication is verbal or written, sent or received. To be effective in our communications, we must be aware of how we, as senders, present our messages, and we must be skilled in interpreting those messages sent to us.

Learn more about this author, Shelly Mcrae.
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