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Effective Communication
Imagine walking in one day to ask a supervisor for the day off. Specifically the request is to have Fridays off from now on. After careful consideration the supervisor agrees to accommodate the request. In the excitement of the moment, and subsequent appreciation affirmations - you include a disclaimer; about being available if the situation called for it, anytime.
In the coming weeks, work brings enthusiasm. Expecting to see the new schedule of regularly scheduled Fridays off enthusiasm turns to confusion finding Friday as a regularly scheduled work day. Immediately, you are in a quandary over what to do. Plans have been made in advance to spend time with the family out of town. Why the previous weeks request was not understood, immediately leads to speculation regarding what was actually heard vs. what was actually said.
Beginning by examining the attributes associated with verbal communication we can gain a better understanding of how to avoid the common errors leading to miscommunication.
First we need to cover performance standards on Effectiveness, Secondly the Appropriateness of the presenter and lastly the Responsiveness. By highlighting specific criteria within the model-a greater understanding of how verbal communication is best articulated to meet the needs of the listener.
As an example: for the deaf community, information is interpreted in a different manner than someone with all five senses. As such, the blind also utilize their remaining even heightened senses to aid in interpreting data. On the bases for explaining what miscommunication took place during the request for Fridays off, we will review the initial exchange between supervisor and employee. By examining the actual content of exchanges in detail, possible gaps in the communication process become evident. Thus the source of our miscommunication was the employee’s disclaimer.
According to the [1]Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory the E.A.R Assessment System is designed to model the Effectiveness, Appropriateness, and Responsiveness of an oral presenter. It should also be noted an additional competency is included in their categories i.e. as (nonverbal effectiveness competencies) which must also be considered when a speaker is presenting content. However, the goal is to understand how individuals can be competent and effective communicators through a clearly stated verbal exchange, thus, minimizing the miscommunication factor.
The verbal effectiveness, appropriateness and responsiveness model is broken down according to level of skills mastered. Advanced, Developing and Emerging are based upon specific characteristics and can determine the level of ability regarding verbal communication. Verbal effectiveness is achieved with idea development; use of language and the organization of ideas are effectively used to achieve a purpose. Verbal appropriateness is idea development, use of language and the organization of ideas for a specific audience, the setting and occasion being appropriate. Responsiveness, communication may be modified based on verbal and non verbal feedback. Thus, speakers/listeners demonstrate active listening behaviors.
· Ideas are clearly organized developed and supported to achieve a purpose.
· The introduction gets the audience or persons attention
· Main Points are clear and organized effectively
· Supporting Material is original, logical and relevant such as facts and examples present
· Smooth transitions are used
· The conclusion is satisfying
· Language choices are vivid and precise
Reaching a level of advanced communicator is an easier task once you know what to look for in your own communication style. By utilizing the indicators model a better understanding of one’s own communication fallacies become more noticeable, thus able to be modified to create a more uniform communication exchange.
Limiting miscommunication should be a priority in everyone’s life. By addressing your effectiveness, appropriateness and responsiveness, presenting verbal information as clearly and effectively as possible we can limit the amount of miscommunication that negatively affects our lives everyday.