All about Communication: Tips and Hacks for Effective Speaking

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Communication. It's a word we hear all the time, but how often do we really stop to think about its depth and importance? Communication is the foundation of our relationships, our careers, and even our own self-understanding. It's the bridge that allows us to share our thoughts, feelings, and ideas with the world.


This blog is dedicated to exploring the things I learn about communication and offering tips and hacks to help you become a more confident and effective speaker.

Types of Communication 

Let's start with the basics. I've learned that Communication comes in two forms: verbal and nonverbal.
1. Verbal Communication
- This type of communication involves the use of spoken or written words to convey messages. It includes face-to-face conversations, phone calls, emails, letters, reports, and presentations. 

2. Nonverbal Communication
- Nonverbal communication encompasses gestures, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other forms of expression that do not involve words. It often complements verbal communication and can convey emotions, attitudes, and intentions.

The Communication Process

I used to think communication was just about talking. But I've realized it's a whole process, like a journey where a message travels back and forth.

First things first, there's me, the sender. I have this idea or feeling I want to share. The tricky part comes next: encoding. It's like packing my message into a suitcase. I gotta figure out the right words, body language, maybe even a funny meme to get my point across clearly.

Then comes the channel. This is the path my message takes, like a text message zipping through the internet or maybe a nervous giggle escaping during a presentation.

On the other side is the receiver. They unpack my message, or try to decode it, based on their own experiences. This is where things can get interesting. Sometimes, the message I send doesn't quite land the way I intended.

That's where feedback comes in. It's like a reply message, a confused look, or a follow-up question. Feedback helps me understand if my message was received clearly, or if I need to repack and resend it in a different way.

The whole thing isn't always smooth sailing. There can be noise that disrupts the journey. Maybe I stumble over my words, or the phone cuts out. Maybe the receiver is stressed and misinterprets my tone.

But the cool thing is, the more I learn about this communication process, the better I become at navigating it. I'm getting better at encoding my messages, choosing the right channels, and understanding feedback. It's a constant learning process, but it's definitely making me a more confident and effective communicator.

Models of Communication 

According to Denis McQuail’s book Mass Communication Theory, “a model is a selective representation in verbal or diagrammatic form of some aspect of the dynamic process of mass communication.”  
In other words, Models provide visual representations of communication situations. Let's explore a few:

1. Aristotle's Model of Communication 
  • Aristotle’s model of communication primarily focuses on the sender (public speaker, professor, etc.) who passes on their message to the receiver (the audience).
  • The sender is also the only active member in this model, whereas the audience is passive. This makes Aristotle’s communication model a foolproof way to excel in public speaking, seminars, and lectures. 

2. The Shannon-Weaver model of communication 
  • The Shannon-Weaver model is a bit more complex. It breaks down communication into five parts: sender, encoder, channel, decoder, and receiver. It's like a relay race, where the message passes through different stages before reaching the receiver.


3. Berlo’s S-M-C-R model of communication
  • Berlo’s S-M-C-R communication model is a linear model of communication that suggests communication is the transfer of information between 4 basic steps or key elements: source, message, channel, and receiver.


4. The Osgood-Schramm model of communication
  • The Osgood-Schramm model is a circular model of communication, in which messages go in two directions between encoding and decoding. The Osgood-Schramm communication model shows that information is of no use until it is put into words and conveyed to other people.


Why Communication Matters

Communication isn't just about exchanging information. It's about connecting with others, building trust, and achieving shared goals. Here's why it matters:

Stronger Relationships
- Effective communication fosters empathy and understanding. By expressing ourselves clearly and actively listening to others, we build trust, connection, and lasting relationships.
Career Success
- The ability to communicate clearly and concisely is a superpower in the workplace. From giving presentations and leading meetings to negotiating deals and giving instructions, strong communication is key to success in any field.  A study by the Journal of Business Communication found that "employees who are perceived as effective communicators are more likely to be promoted."
Conflict Resolution
- Communication is the key to resolving conflict constructively. When faced with disagreements, clear communication allows you to express your needs and concerns without resorting to blame or aggression.


Speak with Confidence: Tips and Hacks

Now that we've established the "why," let's focus on the "how." Here are some tips and hacks to help you become a more confident and impactful speaker:
  1. Know Your Audience: Tailor your message to the people you're speaking with. Consider their background knowledge, interests, and communication style.
  2. Organize Your Thoughts: Structure your message with a clear beginning, middle, and end. This helps keep your audience engaged and ensures your point gets across effectively.
  3. Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice speaking, the more confident and articulate you'll become. 
  4. Be Clear and Concise: Avoid jargon and unnecessary complexity. Speak clearly and concisely to ensure your message is easily understood.
  5. Embrace Body Language: Maintain eye contact, use open gestures, and project your voice. Non-verbal cues play a significant role in conveying your message.
  6. Active Listening: Communication is a two-way street. Pay attention to what the other person is saying, ask clarifying questions, and show genuine interest in their perspective.
  7. Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to solicit feedback from peers, mentors, or trusted colleagues. Constructive feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your speaking style.

"Leaning about communication has been a game-changer for me. I see how I transformed to a better communicator every day. I still struggle to convey my thoughts and ideas to others, but especially in class presentations. The pressure to speak in front of classmates and teachers can be nerve-wracking. However, the communication tips I've learned are like tools in my toolbox. The more I practice using them, the more confident I become. I'm excited to see how these skills continue to develop and help me not only succeed in school, but also in all aspects of life."

- Alarcon, Clarissa R.
BSTM 204



*This blog is for school purposes only.

References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/leading-for-success/202304/leading-through-communication https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Communication+in+the+Workplace-p-9781118319666
https://www.communicationtheory.org/berlos-smcr-model-of-communication/
https://pumble.com/learn/communication/communication-models/
https://www.ted.com/talks/paulo_simas_get_to_know_your_audience