Why is effective communication so important?

As humans, the need to communicate is in our nature. From the second we’re born, we communicate in order to get the things we need, it’s our survival instinct. But as you grow, you realize that communication is more than just talking and that effective communication is necessary for all walks of life.

So how do we communicate? Words are just one of the many different ways we can communicate. We also communicate non verbally through our body language, ideas and emotions. However, the form of communication is not what's important. The essential thing when it comes to communication is actually being able to get your message across and help others understand.

So what is effective communication? 

Can you imagine going one day without communicating?  How would you be able to tell people what you need? Or how would you be able to tell your loved ones about your day? The importance of communication is no surprise to people today. Yet, many find it hard to communicate clearly and effectively. 

Miscommunication is one of the most common reasons for arguments between individuals, team members, partners, friends, etc. Miscommunication happens when people fail to understand what the other person truly means. This leads to people forming wrong assumptions about the intentions of others and can lead to arguments that can easily be avoided.

Luckily, you can avoid miscommunication by understanding how to communicate properly. When you're trying to communicate with someone, it's important to remember your purpose. What's the message you want to convey? It's really important to keep this in mind. Consistently think of the message you're trying to send and aim to get it across. 

It’s also important to connect with the person you're communicating with. Sometimes you can do your best to convey your message to someone, but they may have a difficult time processing it. When you're communicating with someone, it’s vital to ensure that they understand the message you’re trying to get across, instead of just assuming that they’ve understood. Ask questions, listen deeply and try to engage them as much as possible. 

Listen carefully to their responses and ask them if they understand. Keep talking in a calm tone, especially if you’re talking about a sensitive subject. Effective communication is important, it’s the way people get their ideas out into the world. It’s the way they get others to help them, collaborate with them, share new ideas and bring it to reality.  

Benefits of effective communication

We all have come across the need for effective communication at some point in our life – whether it’s in the office, in school, or in relationships. We need to have the ability to communicate effectively in life. 

Here are some benefits of effective communication. 

Better decision-making - With good communication comes the ability to make better decisions. Leaders often have to make important decisions that can affect not only their lives but also the lives of others. If you communicate well with others, you'll be well aware of what the needs and wants of the people around you are. With those in mind, you'll be able to make better decisions! 

Transfer of knowledge - At many points in life, we all need to convey our message, stories, ideas, thoughts to others and pass on the information we think could help them or ourselves. As leaders, parents, teachers, friends or coworkers we need to connect and clearly communicate. 

Builds trust - Trust is important in all relationships. It's the foundation of a good and healthy relationship. However, two people can only build trust with each other if they connect and communicate well. If you're unable to convey matters well, you could cause a lot of confusion, frustration and doubt. 

Minimizes conflict - Miscommunication can cause conflict. In relationships, people have certain expectations of each other. However, it’s impossible to assume that we will always meet each other’s expectations if we don’t communicate what these expectations are. Thus, to avoid conflict, you must communicate clearly, with care and in an effective manner. 

Increases performance - If you’re on a team, this will benefit you greatly. If team members are communicating well amongst each other, they are more likely to perform at a higher level. Less time will be wasted on cleaning up miscommunications and mistakes and more time on better and more aligned and impactful work. 

We communicate everyday. Via text, email, chatting, body language and so much more. But do we really know what it means to communicate clearly and effectively? In a way that we are actually heard and understood? 

Effective communication is the foundation of healthy relationships and a skill that will take you a long way. 

Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.

-Brian Tracy