Effective Communication

There are times each of us wished we could have communicated more effectively at some point. Although we may not admit it, we all could do a better job at communication —our communication with our co-workers, friends, family, and significant others. Communication can go one of two ways, good or bad; usually, the choice is ours.

Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior (Merriam-Webster).

How we converse with someone says a lot about us as an individual and how much we respect the other individual(s) in the conversation. Our tone of voice and body language conveys how we listen, respond, and show our interest. Communication is more than just an exchange of words where both individuals are speaking at the same time with no ability to reason. We often spend more time “listening” to respond and not listening to understand. James 1:19 states, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”

How many disagreements with a co-worker or significant other could be squelched through effective communication by being “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger?” Effective communication starts with being an authentic listener, allowing others to share their thoughts and emotions. Each of us desires to share our thoughts and make our opinion known, although there is a healthy way to conduct ourselves to minimize confusion. Our words carry a significant amount of weight; they can foster healing or hurt. Ephesians 4:29 reminds us, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

The next conversation you have, evaluate how you are honestly communicating with the other person. It tells you a lot about who you are.