Effective Communication 2

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION- A GUIDE TO A POSITIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICE PART II

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

This is a method of relaying information through speech or word of mouth. It is the most common and popular means of communication. It is used in the workplace for information dissemination, training sessions, meetings, interviews etc.

It is however important that the information being communicated should be clear and easily understandable, vital information should not be lost in transient also which may jeopardize the entire communication process.
It is also vital that recipient indicate their understanding and information to be communicated back to the communicator as well with questions like; 
Did you say……?, My response is ………?.

Common barriers to effective verbal communication are as follows:

• Level of understanding and IQ of the recipient
• Physical and psychological condition of the recipient
• Language and dialect of the communicator
• Use of technical language
• Use of abbreviations and ambiguous words
• Learning disabilities and mental weakness of recipient
• Lack of interest
• Presumptuous attitude of recipient

All these should be considered while the communicator is preparing the speech or the intending information to pass across. 

Merits of Verbal communication are as follows:

• Its less formal
• Information dissemination is immediate with the communicator and recipient present
• It enables the communicator to know the attitude and response of the recipient
• Lack of understanding, ambiguity and learning disability can be easily noticed and managed
• It gives room for clarity and perfect cycle of communication is achieved
• Information dissemination is conveyed at the workplace or close to the workplace as possible.

Examples of verbal instructions common at workplaces are toolbox talks, safety meetings, safety talks etc.

Effective Verbal Communication can be achieved if the communication cycle is not broken.
To be continued……..