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Communication is the key - Understanding communication and its importance

EQF LEVEL (INTERNAL REFERENCE): 3

 

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Introduction: 

Expected Learning outcomes:

By the end of this learning unit, you will understand why good communication is key.  

Content: 

Why is communication important? In everyday life, we communicate and exchange ideas with different people every day. But it is not only in our private environment that we need communication. Appropriate exchange with superiors, colleagues or interested parties is also important in a professional context. Otherwise, misunderstandings or confusion can quickly arise.

According to Six et al. there are six characteristics of communication:

  1. the exchange always takes place between at least two people
  2. the message can be decoded by the sender and the receiver, i.e. they use the same language or the same symbols.
  3. the means of communication are available (voice, telephone connection, Internet, etc.)
  4. the exchange takes place against a certain background. That is, the people involved in the communication all have their own history with different experiences and levels of knowledge. This also influences the communication.
  5. communication is a process in which people influence each other and help determine the course of the exchange.
  6. communication can happen consciously or unconsciously (spontaneous reactions to what is said we cannot control eg. Frowning when we do not understand something).

 

HINT: Communication is a control loop
Especially important: Communication is not linear or sequential, but functions like a control loop, in which meanings, social status, emotions, state of mind, previous communication experiences and solidified communication routines, etc. play a supporting role.

 

Based on these characteristics, some important points can be derived for our communication in everyday life. On the one hand, people exchanging information must be able to use the same language or at least the same symbols in order to understand each other. On the other hand, the means of communication must be present. In addition, one should always keep in mind that people have different personal histories, have different communication experiences and, above all, have different levels of information and knowledge. Another important aspect is that of unconscious communication. We cannot control initial facial reactions - so-called micro expressions - to what is said or seen. For example, we contort our face when we feel disgusted or frown when we do not understand something. These reactions also reach our counterpart and possibly trigger something in him or her. 

The following example explains how important clear interpersonal communication is:

EXAMPLE: Mr. Mayer, the assistant, is engrossed in his PC screen. His supervisor, Ms. Reich, asks him if he is going to the post office today. Mr. Mayer only gives a quiet "mhm". Ms. Reich assumes that Mr. Mayer has said "yes" and leaves some letters on his desk. Mr. Mayer, however, denies the question with his "mhm" and is annoyed because Ms. Reich left the letters on his desk anyway.

In our example, if Mr. Mayer had clearly stated that he was not going to the post office today, Ms. Reich would not have left the letters on his desk and Mr. Mayer would not be upset. In order to have a good working atmosphere or a good relationship with other people, it is important that communication between them works and that wishes or needs are clearly communicated.

 

SOURCES:

Clilstore

Short url:   https://clilstore.eu/cs/10835