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Barriers To Effective Communication-The Effective Communication Principle

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:51:59 +0000

Here’s an article I came across on the Effective Communication principle. It was written by Jonathon Hardcastle. It looks at some of the things that may cause barriers to effective commmunication and by default effective business practises. Read and enjoy…

According to Peter Drucker in his article “The Transnational Economy” written back in 1987, “To maintain a leadership position in any one developed country, a business-whether large or small, increasingly has to attain and hold leadership positions in all developed markets worldwide. It has to be able to do research, to design, to develop, to engineer and to manufacture in any part of the developed world, and to export from any developed country to any other. It has to go transnational.” But is going international as simple as it sounds in this passage, or business leaders and executives need to consider another usually unforeseen barrier commonly referred to as “the effective communication principle?”

Companies in developed countries such as the United States must engage in international business transactions or lose an important competitive advantage. Such firms have not only found tremendous commercial opportunities a thousand or ten thousand miles from their plants, but they have also found cooperative partnerships because of a community of interest. Community of interest is in fact the common ground upon which a business relationship can be based and later flourish. If a firm in Japan, for example, finds an American company with expertise in marketing and handling its products in foreign markets, then a community of interest has been found and remains to be exploited to the advantage of both. But how is that possible and on which factors does it depend upon?

Although the answer is rather complex, undoubtedly one factor is that the worldwide level of technology has greatly advanced easing the process of communicating among people located in different countries. Their ability to share information almost instantly has turned the globe to resemble a village, and as a village its citizens can communicate with one another quickly and easily with the use of various technology-based methods. But then again how come and the message is not received in the manner intended when sent by the messenger? The answer is simple: worldwide we share the much of the same information and technology, but no the same culture. Our family, recreational, financial and other values are different, as these values spring from diverse experiences, expectations and habits. Even if the language used to communicate is the same, the cultural differences between states are evident and a message can be distorted or at least not understood as one intended.

Technological advances in the last 100 to 200 years have spread and been adopted and refined worldwide. But cultures based on thousands of years of development are slow to change. For many, they should not change, as these cultural differences among societies and nations give individual identity to each group. In fact, this persistence diversity in the thinking of human beings has made this world an exciting place to be in. But at the same time it has also created barriers that constitute a major challenge for communicators. Even with the advancement in the transition of information, when words and actions are not understood in the same way because of differences, communication can suffer. This is a key factor for people to remember when dealing with different cultures or employed in different countries from that of their origin. Verbal or nonverbal communication can have different meanings to different people and thus careful consideration and examination of the others’ environment can ensure a better delivery of a message and overall a much more successful communication process.

Jonathon Hardcastle
http://www.articlesbase.com/communication-articles/the-effective-communication-principle-66923.html

Michael Noone is The publisher of communication skills articles at the site http://www.topcommunicationskills.com

Technorati Tags: barriers to effective communication, communication skills, Effective Communication

Relationship Communication – Is There Such a Thing as Bad Communication

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:58:59 +0000

Effective Communication is good, right? Personally, I believe it’s next to impossible to have a healthy, rewarding relationship without it. Sure, the level of required relationship communication depends on your level of intimacy with the person you are communicating with. But, can open communication ever be destructive, even when the communicator thinks they are providing a helpful message for the recipient? I would say it all boils down to knowing your audience. Think about what you are about to convey, and then try to predict how your recipient is going to react. Is the message sensitive or volatile enough to destroy the relationship you currently have? If so, it’s best to think twice. Sounds simple enough, right?

Take this story, for example. I know a woman that, for her whole life, carried resentment about how her father raised her. This story begins when she was 50 years old and her father was 72. She felt she had not been nurtured and supported as much as she needed when she was growing up. Her father was a “hard-liner”. We all know the type. A man made of mostly discipline and not enough encouragement, keeping his feelings to himself. Something compelled the woman to spill her guts and write her father a letter. In this letter she described how she felt about her relationship with her father. She pointed out many of the shortcomings in her life and how she felt he was the cause of them because she “didn’t get what she needed from him”. She pointed these things out in a very polite manner; obviously assuming her father would understand and feel compassion for her. What actually happened was quite the contrary. The father was very angry after reading her letter and felt he was being attacked. What was once an acceptable relationship was now broken beyond repair. At the time the daughter wrote the letter, she thought it would benefit her to get those things off her chest and didn’t take time to ponder how her father would deal with such things.

The case above could be considered “bad communication” as it damaged the relationship it was meant to improve. Here are some things you might want to consider before initiating a discussion with someone, especially when your message contains sensitive, blaming or potentially negative information.

1. What do you expect to accomplish with your message?

2. Try to predict how your audience will respond. Are you prepared for an unexpected outcome?

3. Is it so important for you to get your message across that it’s worth the risk of breaking the relationship? In some cases it may be, such as a case with a friend or spouse.

4. If you predict that your message may cause undesirable results, you may want to use a good friend or family member as a sounding board, so you can clear your head of your thoughts. Even more so, it can be very beneficial for you to write the person a letter but never deliver it. I believe this works better than spilling your guts to a third party.

5. You can ask advice from a trusted friend or family member (especially if they know the recipient of the message). However, always make the final decision on what to do. Your advisor probably has nothing to lose and may not give you proper advice in the matter.

Relationship communication is important in everyone’s life, whether with friends, family, business associates or complete strangers. For that reason, care should always be taken on how to communicate sensitive information. Can communication be a bad thing? I think it always depends on the circumstances. Sometimes you need to choose to hold back or potentially lose the relationship.

Carl Herkes
http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/communication-in-relationships-is-there-such-a-thing-as-bad-communication-10767.html

How To Improve Communication Skills By Using The Telephone

admin — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 20:13:59 +0000

Here is another interesting article I recently came across by Dennis Jaylon. Had you ever considered that you could learn how to improve your Communication skill by using the telephone ?

Read on….

Who would not want to create a smart and enchanting persona? And is that possible even on telephones? Yes… It is Possible!

The modern day telephones enable us to do more than we could do with them till some years back. But before we get to that, let us look at some of the features that are there in telephones today Caller ID (CLIP), Voice Mail, LCD screen, call back facilities and many many more. Plus there are added enhancements to make our conversations crystal clear like superb sound quality, digital speakerphone, even stylish designs add the zing factor in our messages.

Now coming to the features of modern telephones and how they help us in creating a charismatic and effective personality over the phone.

Let us start with Caller ID or CLIP facility Caller ID shows us the numbers that are calling us. If the number looks familiar, we can tweak our voice a little to create just the image we have or desire to have in the caller’s perception. For example, if it is from office or from a colleague, you can sound professional and smart. And if it is from a dear one, you can turn down the professionalism and present a softer you.

Then there is ‘Voice Message Recording service’ which enables you to drop a message when the receiver on the other end, is unable to pick up the call. You can record your message by clearly telling your name and the reason for which you called. If you are calling someone who does not know you, you should clearly tell your name (spell it, if required) and leave your contact number. Give a time when you can receive the call back and also give a brief summary for why you called up.

The more clarity you have in your message, the more you create a good impression. And with the help of modern day telephones and their multiple features, utilise all your capabilities to make your mark.

Dennis Jaylon is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos…the Telephones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Jaylon
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Telephones-Help-You-Improve-Communication-Skills&id=589848

Technorati Tags: communicatio skills training, communication skills, how to improve communication

please help if I get a 100% I will send you money?

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:09:39 +0000

Graded Assignment
Test Part 2: Course Exam

Short Answer

1.List 5 benefits of physical activity and identify each benefit as either a physical, mental and emotional, or social benefit.

2.In one sentence explain the difference between an intentional and unintentional injury. Then list 2 examples of intentional injuries and 2 examples of unintentional injuries.

3.In one sentence explain the difference between barrier and hormonal contraceptive methods. Then list 2 examples of a barrier method and 2 examples of a hormonal method.

4.List 5 common advertising techniques.

Knowledge and Skill Application

1.Accessing Information
•List five reliable sources of health information (1 point each)

•List the five questions you should ask yourself when trying to determine if a source of health information is reliable and trustworthy. (2 points each)

Analyzing Influences
In three columns (as in the example below), answer the following questions:
•List and describe 3 external influences that may affect how a person feels about him/herself. Explain how each influence may affect how a person feels about him/herself. (3 points each)
•List and describe 2 internal influences that may affect how a person feels about him/herself. Explain how each influence may affect how a person feels about him/herself. (3 points each)

Example:
External InfluenceDescription of InfluenceExplanation of How the Influence Affects Feelings About Self

3.Decision-Making
You are away at a summer camp, and are meeting new people. One night a bunch of your new friends wake you up and ask if you want to sneak out to a private party. You want people to like you, so you go. BUT, when you arrive you realize that people are taking some sort of drug. This really isn’t your scene, so what do you do?
•Use the five decision-making steps to explain how you would make your decision. (15 points)

4.Goal Setting
Let’s assume for a few moments that you are not what we would call a "healthy" eater. You don’t think about how the food you eat can affect you and your health. One of your worst habits is not eating breakfast at all. Well, it’s about time to change that "bad" habit. Your new goal for the summer is — "to eat a healthy breakfast every morning before you leave the house."
•Write an action plan for achieving this goal. Be sure to include specific steps you will take, when and how often the steps are to be done, and how you will measure success. (7 points)
•List two family members or friends that can be part of your support system. Explain why you chose each person and what role each person will play. (3 points each)
•Give one idea for how your can reward yourself along the way. (2 points)

5.Interpersonal Communication
You are staying at a friend’s house, and your friend wants to sneak out of the house to go to a party down the street. You really do not want to do this and don’t want your friend to do this either. Too many things could go wrong. This is a good time to demonstrate your refusal skills.
•First, list the four essential components of effective refusal. (4 points)

•Then demonstrate how you would use the essential components to communicate your refusal to your friend. (8 points)

•Finally, list 3 possible consequences of sneaking out of the house and going to the party. (3 points)

6.Self-Management
•Explain the difference between a sprain and strain. (5 points)

•Explain the at home procedure for treating minor strains and sprains. (10 points)

7.Advocacy
You like to spend a lot of time at the park on the weekends — throwing Frisbees, hanging out with friends, walking the dog — but have noticed that there is an increase in the number of people smoking in the park, which makes your time there less enjoyable. Who wants to breathe in smoke? Yuk. You come outside to get fresh air, right? You and your friends decide that you would like to advocate for a smoke-free park.
•What are two activities you could do to raise awareness of the issue? (2 points each)

•Who would be the target audience of each activity? (2 points)

•What would your message be for each target audience? (3 points)

•Who else might be interested in helping you advocate for and achieve your goal of a smoke-free park? (1 point)

To conceal my identity, I have omitted some answers from this. I’m taking the same test. heheh. I expect you to add me for this.

1. Physical activity can increase your endurance (physical benefit) build healthy muscles and joints (physical benefit) reduce your risk of cardio vascular disease (physical benefit) makes you feel better about yourself (mental benefit. Yuck.) and reduce your risk for some cancers (physical benefit.)
2. An intentional injury is meant to happen and an unintentional injury is not. The rest of my answer for two is too priceless to have anyone give to anyone else.
3.Im workin on it.
4.Band wagon, plain people, testimonial, patriotism, and weasel word
5. Healthfinder.gov Health.nih.gov Family doctor.org Webmd.com
6.Who is running the website?
What is the purpose of the website?
Who is responsible for the websites content?
How current is the information?
How is the website funded?
7. I’m workin’ on it.
8. What is the problem?
What are the facts?
What are your options?
What are the pros and cons of each option?
What will you do?
9. I’m workin on it.
10. Say no Match your words to your tone Make gestures to emphasize your point Repeat as often as necessary
11. My answer is too priceless to hand it out.
12. See 11.
13.A sprain is a ligament problem and a strain is a muscle or tendon injury
14.Rest, ice, compress, and elevate.
All the rest, I haven’t done yet. I may or may not post them.

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Advice where to go in New York where i can improve my English communication skills.?

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:07:50 +0000

Hi everyone! I’m Japanese and planning to go in New York this December. Along w/ my vacation, I want also to improve my English skills. Can someone advice me some good places to go there or what activity should i do. Thank you.
PS
My English level is just normal communication level.

Konnichiwa :] Watashi wa nihongo ga wakarimasu.

If you meanNew York City, I think you could improve your skills simply by spending a day shopping. Theres alot of speaking involved, if you’re with someone else. If you mean the state of New York in general, then I would suggest getting some kind of tour, in a garden or something to that effect. You could learn something new and improve your speaking skills.
Ja matta ne. ♥

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What dose these cases suggest regarding the relationship between reinforcement theory and communication?

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:05:30 +0000

What cases do you have reference to. The only thing I can think is that positive reinforcement would created a greater degree of trust, and thus a opening for more communication between individuals. It is use quite often in the beginning of therapy.

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How can I make my communication effective as IT professional ?

admin — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:03:36 +0000

I have more than 2 years of development experience but facing problems due to communication.
Your value suggestions can help me a lot.
I feel its a big hurdle in my career.

no one can make you learn English,it can be learn’ t by your efforts.so do more and more practice for improving your communication skills.

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Communication Across Cultures is Better With a Whole Brain Approach

admin — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:02:03 +0000

Cross cultural communication is not an exact science. When you begin a cross cultural business conversation for the first time, you cannot be sure where it will end. Within cultures people are different. There are different ways of saying hello within the same cultural group.

Most people do not fully understand the way how differences in cultures impact communication. Some people enter a cross cultural conversation without making any concessions. Some go as far as behaving as if everyone is from their home town.

Other people are excessively studious and read up on specific local habits. They will want standardized answers on what to bring if you are invited to dinner, how to dress, when to arrive, what to say.

How can you prepare for your first intercultural meeting?

Both of these methods have their downfalls. The best way to go into your first cross cultural communication is to be relaxed. Be yourself. Let yourself be very open to meeting this new person. If you take a whole brain approach during to your first meeting, with a non-assuming quient inner confidence, you can expect to have a positive meeting.

Allow your right brain to become very in tune with the other person’s emotions. Does he appear to be at the same place in your relationship as you are? Open yourself up to communication with this other person. Adapt your response to his.

With your left brain, look at the scene from a different perspective. Is this an interactive dialogue? If something seems out of place in your conversation, ask your left brain if there is something you can do to improve communication. Do not go overboard. Let your left brain keep control of your actions.

Appearing warm and communicative, ready to initiate conversation, and doing the appropriate thing for both parties will ensure great communication.

By the way, if you are asked to dinner in a different cultural environment, don’t go overboard. Simple ask your host what would be appropriate to wear, and when to arrive. And then ask their secretary, your hotel concierge, someone local, as to what they would bring to the dinner, what they would wear, when they would arrive.

And remember, a respectful relationship goes down well in all cultures.

Cindy King
http://www.articlesbase.com/international-business-articles/communication-across-cultures-is-better-with-a-whole-brain-approach-707277.html

Does Infidelity Always Mean the End of a Relationship?

admin — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 13:00:59 +0000

Although infidelity changes a relationship drastically it doesn’t have to mean a break up if that’s not what you want. It isn’t easy to rebuild what you once had but it is possible with the right tools and information.

A cheating mate will devastate not only their partner but in most cases their entire family. Their mate feels a wide range of emotions including but not limited to betrayal, sadness, hurt, loneliness and depression. These things are very hard to overcome and can take a very long time to work through. Forgiving is one thing but forgetting is something else entirely.

The bottom line is you can rebuild the relationship but basically you have to start over from square one. It’s much easier to do with the right set of tools and information because there are so many things you can learn that will help you be successful.

You can learn how to make the changes necessary to rebuild your relationship and make it stronger than ever.

Learn how to stop an argument before it even starts.

Learn how to make your relationship whole again even after an affair.

Learn how Effective Communication can heal old wounds.

Learn a method that is almost like setting the clock back to a previous time.

Learn how to start again fresh.

Learn how words can work like magic in healing your broken relationship.

These are all crucial things that you must get a grip on in order to heal and rebuild your relationship. Like I said earlier, trying to fix a relationship after an affair is a tough road although many take on the challenge every single day. It’s simply a matter of how bad you want it to work.

Scott Sickles
http://www.articlesbase.com/breakup-articles/does-infidelity-always-mean-the-end-of-a-relationship-699487.html

The Art of Communication With Teenagers

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:23:09 +0000

For anyone raising children, learning the art of communication with teenagers is an absolute necessity.

Many of us take good communication for granted and little thought is given to the effective use of communication and all the things this involves.

When it comes to our children, the art of communicating with teenagers is one skill that all parents should develop for a better relationship and happier teenager

The art of Good Communication – Things to Consider

As in good communication with our peers, the art lies not just in how you express yourself verbally, but also your body language and your listening skills, the latter of which is often left out when communicating with teenagers.

Some of us find it difficult to adjust our communication skills from that which is required when our children were in 3rd grade to the firm yet respectful communication that is required when they become teenagers.

Most of us will admit we don’t always get it right so here are a few simple tips on the art of communication with teenagers.

The Art of Communication with Teenagers – Are you Listening?

How many times have you been in conversation with your teenage son or daughter and realized that you’re note really listening? You start of well enough, and at the outset they have your full attention, but before you know it, your mind is elsewhere.

It is all too easy to say ‘I hear you’, but are you really listening – the two really are completely different things!

Your teenager deserves your full attention when communicating, in the same way you expect their full attention. The art of communication is a two way thing – so think about the message you are sending to your teen when it is clear to them they only have half your attention.

The Art of Communication with Teenagers – Validate Your Teens Feelings

When your teen comes home, hating their science teacher, their best friend, or the world in general what they don’t want to hear is ‘No you don’t’. Your teen is expressing a feeling which they need to have validated, not dismissed.

The art of communication with teenagers is allowing them to vent their emotions much in the same way that a counselor allows a client space and a listening ear when they present with a problem.

Try not to dismiss their feelings out of hand, allow your teen to share their feelings with you in their own way within the limits that you set as appropriate behavior.

The Art of Communication with Teenagers – Avoid Criticism

There is many a damaged adult walking around today with parental criticism from their childhood ringing in their ears.

If there is only one thing you take on board about the art of communicating with your teenager it is this – criticize your teens behavior but never your teen.

There is a whole world of difference between ‘what you did was very stupid’ and ‘you are stupid’.

Sentences beginning with ‘why’ or ‘you’ are more like to end up as critical statements that only serve to attack your teen and put them down.

Instead try to get your teen thinking about the consequences of their behavior and choose language aimed at provoking thought. Try to start sentences with ‘I need’, ‘When you’ ‘It makes me feel…’

The Art of Communication with Teenagers – Respect

In the same way that it is important to validate your teen, it is also important that you respect their thoughts, feelings, needs and desires.

By showing them respect, teaches them to respect themselves and in turn respect others. It also teaches them that they matter and have something to offer.

Teens respect boundaries. Be clear with your teen about what you expect from them and what they can expect from you. Ensure they understand there are consequences to their actions and when they go off track ensure the punishment fits the crime.

Don’t make threats you cannot keep.

And Finally…

Praise, Praise and More Praise

From childhood all the way through their teenage years and beyond, your child can never have enough

praise.

When you praise your teen your are nourishing their self worth and raising their self esteem which will in turn help them to grow into a confident adult sure of themselves and their ability to achieve the things they set out to do.

The art of communication with teenagers is a legacy you can pass on. The way you communicate with your teen will dictate the way they communicate with others.

Sacha Tarkovsky
http://www.articlesbase.com/relationships-articles/the-art-of-communication-with-teenagers-81341.html