The Importance Of Communication

Communication is an integral part of our daily lives, encompassing verbal, non-ver, written, visual, listening, body language, facial expressions, signing, and picture. It shapes our world and has revolutionized how we communicate. There are over 7,000 languages spoken, alongside emails, texting, writing. However, the foundations remain the same: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent complete, and courteous. listening and empathy transform conversations.

Having recently completed a management degree,  I reflected on effective communication as a leader. How to Convey information, vision, and goals to the team. Build trust and alignment through clear transparent and empathetic communication, including active listening,  providing feedback and adapting to different communication styles to inspire and motivate others towards achieving the objectives. 

Recently we were sat at the dinner table and my eldest daughter had packed her case for a college trip away. The youngest said to her sister "you know you said you know you have enough clothes to last you a few weeks in your new case, we'll dad said it will last you forever!"

The look of horror across the dinner table. Now in our household you have to understand the youngest is diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. So for example in class they would be told "the boy did not like the apple" and she would hear "boy liked apple". Hence, completely changing the context.  Then there is my husband whom is dyslexic and lets just say doesn't always choose either the right words, structure his sentence appropriately or listen properly. Therefore does not comprehend what the other person is saying. So my husband had meant that the new case would last our eldest daughter more than a few weeks (being that it was brand new). But my youngest interpreted it, that dad had meant she wasn't coming home cause she has enough to last her forever! Thankfully I was able to highlight to them where and how the mis communication had presented before the next teenage rampage broke out in the house. 

With technology today we are so quick to send a text or and email, to ask how someone is. But do we really know how they are ? I'm fine, Fine thanks, love you, yeah okay! does not show emotion nor feeling.  Are you able to see their body language? Can you hear the tone or manner in which a message has been sent. How many times do we read messages and they are taken out of context because we do not have visual and audible queues.