3 Elements to Improve Your Communication Skill

Communication is essential in any positive relationship. Most people believe communication is natural and requires no additional effort. This view is not necessarily accurate, as all people are different. 

People have a particular style of communication that may or may not match up with another's understanding. Often the problems arise due to the difference in perspective. 

There are three elements to communication that when consistent increases your believability. 

Understanding these three factors and the interaction of the environment, will help to improve communication skills and trust.

The 3 Elements of Communication

1. Appearance

This element is what you see. How a person dresses, stands, crosses arms or taps the foot is all part of one's appearance. Facial expressions and gestures also serve as strong communication reinforcer. Eye contact is important in the North American culture but should not be constant. Studies suggest that the appearance accounts for 55-60% of a person's communication.

2. Vocal elements

Studies suggest that vocal elements account for 35-40% of communication of a person.Vocal elements concern how the voice sounds. Factors include the tone of voice, speed of speech and volume. Each is an important consideration as they can change clarity and message understanding.

3. Words

This Element of communications represents 5-10% of communication.The factual portion of communication is the individual words. Words alone need backup from vocal elements and personal appearance. Most often, words can be confused and misunderstood.

When a person receives your message, they attempt to understand what you are saying by comparing your actions, sound and appearance to their style. Often misunderstandings occur but asking respectfully for clarification can avoid miscommunications. When all three elements align, communication is more likely to be viewed as authentic.

The environmental noise level could impede focus and understanding of the message. The noise level should be minimized by suggesting a better area to converse. If one is outside and the temperature is impacting understanding, one should be honest and ask to go to a more comfortable place. 

Avoid the urge to cut the conversation short due to environmental sources of noise. People want to feel as though they are being listened. One should not interrupt another while they are talking. This act sends a clear message that they you are not listening.

Communication consists of many different interdependent components. The environment can be modified to increase comfort, understanding and foster communication. If all elements of communication are consistent, people will more likely view your communication as authentic.