It is two-way: Ideas flow between individuals or groups. Facts, ideas, beliefs, and emotions are encoded, sent, received, decoded, and acknowledged at both ends.
It is both verbal and nonverbal: Communication uses as many senses as possible given the method or channel of communication. Content is communicated not only through words, but also through tone of voice, gestures, facial expression, and other means.
It depends upon active listening: Individuals receiving communication do not listen passively; they concentrate, clarify, and check the meaning, content, context, and intent of what others say.
It uses effective "feedback:" The listeners check what they hear by paraphrasing or restating important information to be sure that they have understood the intended meaning of the communication. The communicator actively requests such feedback to be sure that the message is being received and understood.
It is direct: It "says what it means," without hidden or inconsistent messages. Any communication carries with it two kinds of messages: the content message and the relationship message . We hear both what others say to us and the implications about our relationship. If we are preoccupied with detecting a hidden meaning, we may lose the content message altogether. Effective communication contains clearly discernible messages.
It is appropriate for the recipient, not just the sender: The language, message, and channel were chosen to be understandable and acceptable to the intended recipient.
It is based on some form of common interest: People communicate best when all parties feel they have something to gain from the communication, whether personal, social, or professional. Individuals and groups both send and receive information better when they are interested in and committed to the process.
It is comfortable for all parties: It is hard to concentrate on the message if the environment is tense and the individuals involved are fearful, hostile, nervous, or otherwise uncomfortable. For effective communication, try to establish a low-stress environment.
