Effective Communication

I have the opportunity to practice another form of communication after learning about the theory about communication, that is the sign language at a workshop conducted by the Lions Clubs District 308B1 and MBPJ on 19/10/2008. The sign language is important for bridging the communication gap between community at large with the dumb and deaf. Without a medium, it is difficult to communicate effectively, and hence to foster greater understanding and interaction. This will not help in creating an inclusive society towards a caring developed nation by 2020.

Effective communication is important as communication is happened anywhere, anytime and by anyone. 75% of our time is to communicate either through vocal, body language, visual or writing. While community is a social unit gathered individuals and making things work, communication effectively is important. The sender for information has to make it clear and precise so that the receiver is able to understand and interpret it rightly and accurately. In order to do so, using an appropriate medium at the right time and right place is an added advantage.

Most of the time, communication broke down due to the unprofessional conduct of the sender, the uncaring of receiver and unsatisfying medium or environment. Both the parties might not sharing the same competency if communication is for works purpose, or holding to own egoism or personal interest if communication is for personal gain purpose, or disrupted if communication is to negotiate better term for own interest. While for an effective horizontal communication between office mates, equality is important. an effective vertical communication, that is between boss and the subordinate, respect is much more critical.

There are vast differences between internal and external communication. Internal communication for an organisation can be direct and bold with the backing of legislation and directives. For example, implementing a rules for improving quality and performance on a work process is made mandatory by top management, and it has to be complied with. For external communication in especially with the stakeholders and customers, it is more complicated simply because the aspiration, demands and agendas are different. Their anticipations are not the same as what the organisation might thought of, and thus if similar communication strategies are applied, intended results might not be able to achieved.

In order to share the feeling and sentiments as well as tapping the concerns of the externalities, the organisation has to communicate as frequently as possible and to listen as attentively as possible, so that future programmes can be drafted with much cares and considerations. By embracing externalities in the early planning stage will help in deploying a workable and effective communication or marketing plan. Of course, if it is done, the conflict is reduced.

Communication is simple, the difficult task is having an effective communication. It requires inter-personal skills, technicalities and knowledge.