Contents of Effective Communication

• Communicating well is the foundation of success at the workplace and in our personal relationships. According to CommunicationSkillsInfo.com, Anthony Robbins once said, "To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others." Knowing the proper speaking and listening techniques is important to effective communication.

Verbal Messages

• Our choice of words and how we deliver them can evoke powerful emotional reactions in our listeners. The way we use language and our tone of voice can aggravate an issue that needs to be addressed or a problem that must be solved. Effective communication involves avoiding words that are accusatory, critical or blaming because such charged vocabulary often incites a defensive response in the listener. You send an effective verbal message when you deliver it as briefly and succinctly as possible. Rambling and convoluted speeches are difficult for the listener to digest. In order to create the least resistance, keep things simple and direct and use neutral words.

Body Language

• Your emotions and attitudes towards the person you are interacting with can be conveyed through nonverbal communication. According to Professor Albert Mehrabian, author of "Silent Messages," 55 percent of what your listener derives is picked up from your posture, facial expressions, gestures, spatial distance and other physical cues. When at the problem-solving table, or resolving an argument, try to keep your facial expressions as neutral as possible. Do not fold your arms across your chest, as that sends a message of inflexibility and hostility. It is also important to ensure that your body language and the words coming out of your mouth are consistent. Verbal and nonverbal language that do not match may elicit distrust.

Listening

• Effective listening involves giving complete physical attention to your speaker. Avoid fidgeting or doing something else when listening. It also involves being aware of the speaker's body language, as well as the words that they use and the emotions behind them. Because listening requires much focus, you will need to quiet your mind and put aside your own attitudes and agendas and concentrate. Let your speaker know that you are involved by occasionally asking questions. This will help to forge the psychological connection needed for to open up. Show that you are involved by positioning yourself to face your speaker. Keep your posture open with our arms and legs uncrossed. Maintain an appropriate distance.