Communication is undeniably the backbone of a business’s success, without which one will have a hard time disseminating information. However, what is communication to be exact? To put it simply, communication is the act of transferring information from one place to another. It requires a sender and one or more recipients of the information via a complex communication channel. Most importantly, the message encoded by the sender must be understood by the recipients if the communication were to be delivered up to its desirable objectives. Communication by definition merely sounds simple, but the way how it is carried has been inexorably tactical. For example, the sender needs to be aware of when it is best to deliver the message. Or how to communicate correctly so that the recipients will not respond back in a reactive manner. The same holds true in business, if the communication between both parties reaches a mutual satisfaction level, the contract will then be signed.
Since the goal of communication is to understand each other, there is a simple key we can take to improve understanding which is to check back with the other person to make sure that we have a shared view of the conversation.
The sender can:
- Ask the recipient to share their point of view of the message, and check if it is correct;
- Recap what they said in short, simple terms to ensure it has been understood;
- Provide examples or analogies for further clarification;
- Answer any questions from the recipient; and
- Confirm whether the recipient’s understanding is correct, or clarify particular points of misunderstanding.
The recipient in return can:
- Ask the sender non-judgemental questions to clarify their understanding;
- Summarise or reflect back the message to the sender to check that their understanding is correct; and
- Ask the sender to provide some examples to clarify particular elements.
Overall, a key to effective communication can be as simple as asking questions to the recipient or vice versa to clear all doubts.
By: Englalin Ek