Communication is a fundamental activity woven into all aspects of life, from personal interactions and relationships to professional settings, business activities, cultural practices, and even internal self-talk. It is a continuous process, not an isolated activity. Effective communication is vital for conveying and understanding information quickly and accurately to achieve desired outcomes.
The effectiveness of communication is shaped by the context in which it occurs; each setting influences the purpose, audience, medium, and potential challenges. Style is another key component for enhancing the effectiveness of communication.
The effectiveness of communication stems from the interplay between context and the chosen style. The appropriate style for a specific context is crucial to achieving desired goals.
Interpersonal interactions in face-to-face conversations require synchronising verbal content (“What to say”) and non-verbal delivery (“How to say”), including demeanour, tone, and empathy. Making a good first impression, practising active listening, being non-judgmental, using simple language, and engaging in small talk add value to relationships.
Contexts of Communication
Communication happens in various contexts, each with its dynamics and requirements. It includes Verbal, Nonverbal, Open vs. Closed communications, Relationships, Self-Talk, Public Speaking, Put-Downs, and Barriers. To enhance our performance, we must learn the art of using mobile phones, Emails, Interviews, Teacher Communication, and Trainer Communication. In a business context, communication is essential in Team Building, Meetings, Presentations, Conflicts, Negotiations, Questioning, and Marketing.
Prayers, Storytelling, Self-talk, Gossip, Humour, Anger, Value-Based Communication, Conscious Communication, The Power of Communication, and Smart Communication add value to our lives.
Communication Styles
Communication styles refer to the manner and approach used to convey our messages. The sources identify various styles:
Verbal communications include oral, written, and visual in their basic forms. Non-verbal includes body language, gestures, and expressions. Attitudinal communications include Aggressive, Passive, and Assertive styles, reflecting respect for one’s rights versus others. In interaction, Open (encouraging discussion and participation) vs. Closed (one-way relay of information) determine how we communicate.
Skill-based styles relate to specific skills like Effective Speaking, Active Listening, Questioning (Closed, Open, Funnel, Probing, Leading), Storytelling, Value-Based communication (incorporating honesty and empathy), and Conscious Communication (proper, kind, necessary, helpful, purposeful, accountable, soft, brief, responsive).
Leaders use Autocratic, Visionary, Democratic, Empowerment, and Negotiating styles to impact their team’s ideas, opinions, and actions. These styles are situation-dependent.
Then there are strategic approaches to becoming smart communicators, continuously refining skills and tailoring the approach. Approaches like Chanakya’s Saam, Daam, Dand, and Bhed can be applied effectively in negotiations and conflict management.
In marketing, effectiveness depends on understanding the target audience and tailoring the communication strategy (branding, advertising) to resonate with them emotionally and build trust. Using storytelling and maintaining transparency and authenticity are effective styles in this context. Advertising effectiveness relies explicitly on clear, persuasive, audience-centric messages delivered through appropriate channels at the right time.
There is no single “best” communication style; effectiveness is achieved by understanding the context and skilfully adapting one’s style to suit the situation and the audience. Experienced communicators can move fluidly between different styles to achieve the desired outcomes. Ultimately, Smart Communication involves continuous practice of skills like active listening, clear speaking, and using appropriate non-verbal cues, always with the goal of mutual understanding and positive results, tailored to the specific context.
For a deeper understanding of these concepts, read “Facets of Communication 360”, written by Anand Chhabra & Vinod Mitra (Manjul Publishing House). Grab your copy at just ₹299: