The Goal of Effective Communication

Communication happens every day in various ways. Communication can be a billboard, a passing handshake on the way to work or a gesture in the elevator letting the people know the door has opened. Communication is a complex process that involves a sender and a receiver. The intention of communication is to send messages to inform, direct or educate. Effective communication produces efficient businesses, productive relationships and satisfaction between people.

Effective communication is sending messages in such a way that the recipient is able to fully comprehend what is being sent. Effective communication is a dialogue much like a two-way street. There is a constant coming in and going out of information in order to reach understanding.

The goal of effective communication is to send a message with the intention of informing, inspiring or questioning, with the message fully understood by the recipient.

Communication travels through different media. A common media is spoken words or oral communication. Oral communication uses words to send messages and provide explanations. Other media used in communication are nonverbal cues such as vocal tone, facial expressions and body language. Sending an e-mail, talking on the phone or updating a social network are all examples of different media used to send messages.

Communication is used to make processes and organizational flow more productive. When people know what is expected of them and how to accomplish the task at hand, they are more likely to be more productive. People feel satisfied when they are able to reach the goal of communicating effectively. This can be satisfaction with a job, relationships or social life. Trust is built in interpersonal and organizational relationships when the goal of effective communication is met. When a person does what he says he will do, it fosters trust and dependability.

Communication barriers exist that prohibit effective communication. These barriers can include a person’s background, belief system, cultural differences, upbringing and preconceived ideas. Communication barriers filter the communication and distort its original message so that the recipient doesn’t understand the message.

No one has perfected the goal of effective communication. A person should participate in maintaining a healthy self-awareness that assesses her current rate of communication effectiveness.