Effective Public Communication

By Nicole Papa, eHow Contributor

Communication is a complex process of exchanging messages through words, symbols,
expressions and body language. Public communication involves the sending and receiving of
messages on a large scale to and from the general public. Public communication includes
mass media, public relations and public speaking, but can include any form of sending a
message to a large group of people. Effective public communication is a skill that is learned
and perfected over time.

Public Communication Defined

Public communication is the sending and receiving of messages on a large scale that
impacts groups of people. For the communication to be considered effective, the
messages must be clearly and accurately sent and received with a high degree of
comprehension.

Purpose

Different communications have different purposes. An effective public

communication is one that accomplishes its purpose. For example, a journalist writes
a news story to inform the public, while an advertiser crafts a message to appear on
the same page of the newspaper to persuade the audience to purchase a product.
Effective public communication is used to inform or to persuade, as well as to
entertain and inspire. Some communications are designed simply to promote
goodwill.

Channels and Media

Effective public communication is delivered to its audience over a variety of channels,

or media. Public speaking in any form is considered public communication, whether a
school assembly, a business meeting or a presidential speech. Mass media, such as
broadcast or print media, is another channel which can be used effectively for public
communications. More recently, social media like Twitter and Facebook have
broadened the range of channels available for effective public communication.

Results

The result of effective public communication depends on the message's purpose. A

teacher's message can be deemed effective if students perform well on tests. Effective
advertisements are those which lead to increased sales. Some messages' effectiveness,
especially those with a spiritual or inspirational purpose, are harder to measure than
others'. For instance, one measure of a preacher's effectiveness might be the weekly
offering, but how well the sermon accomplishes its purpose - an increase in
righteousness - is harder to measure.

Crafting Effective Public Communications

When crafting a public communication, consider your purpose and orient your
message accordingly. Avoid getting carried away on a tangent. Consider the most
entertaining commercials you've seen on television, for example. Can you remember
what they were advertising? No matter how entertaining a message might be, if the
audience cannot remember the point, it is not an effective message.

Four Types of Communication

By Kimberly A. Laux, eHow Contributor

Communication affects every aspect of life---from how we are socialized to the brand of
shampoo we use. In his text "Human Communication: The Basic Course," Joseph DeVito
defines communication as "the act, by one or more persons of sending and receiving
messages that are distorted by noise, occur within a context, have some effect and provide an
opportunity for feedback." Our challenge is to become more competent communicators--interacting in a way that is appropriate and effective.

Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal interaction, some times referred to as dyadic communication, usually

occurs one-on-one or between a limited number of people. Most research on the
interpersonal level focuses on communication between friends, family, romantic
partners and other significant others, although it could also occur in a more formal
setting with someone the communicator does not know well. To be competent in this
area, you should understand the implications of self disclosure and how to manage
conversation.

Small Group Communication

Much of our professional life takes place in small groups, as we often play a role in
work teams, committees, boards or other collections of people. However, simply
working alongside three other people does not technically qualify you as a small
group. The people involved must perceive themselves as a group; they must feel a
common connection and intentionally communicate with one another. Leadership,
group roles and managing conflict are important at this level.

Public Speaking

Since before 500 BC, people have used public speaking as a means of persuasion.
Today, public speaking continues to thrive as the dominant form of communication in
several facets of society---religion, education, politics, government and law.
Competent speakers must be able to present accurate, ethical information in a
compelling way while appealing to the logic and emotions of their audiences.
According to a study by BH Spitzberg and WR Cupach, approximately 40 percent of
the population reports public speaking anxiety and shyness at such an intensity that it
interferes with their quality of life.

Mediated Communication

Mediated communication includes messages that pass through a channel outside of

the sender and receiver. Examples include traditional mass media (print, radio,
television, film) as well as digital devices (smart phones, MP3 players, computers). As
technology evolves, media has become much more integrated and communicators
must know how to use it properly. This includes identifying the best way to reach an
audience and stand out among the flurry of competing messages.

Becoming a Competent Communicator

To improve communication competence, you must be motivated to alter current ways

of communicating, learn more about the communication process and develop skills by
putting your knowledge into practice. Not only will you be able to "send the right
message," you will also better understand the messages you receive. The end result is
increased self confidence and stronger relationships that improve both your
professional and personal life.

Objectives of Effective Communication

By Nicole Papa . eHow Contributor

Communication is the process of exchanging messages through words, expressions, body

language and symbols. Communication plays a vital role in business, government and your
personal life. Its how people express emotions, governments pass laws and businesses
market their products and services. Effective communication is an ongoing process with clear
purpose and objectives. No matter what type of communication is being used or the style in
which it is delivered, it is intended to express or understand a message.

Express a Message

An objective of effective communication is to express a message. Expression can

manifest itself through body language, signs, words or emotion. Communication is the
process of creating and sending a message through a specific medium that carries the
messages to the recipient. Once the message is received, the recipient then expresses a
message back to the sender. This exchange continues until the dialogue is complete. In
order for the expression to be considered effective, it must be accurately
communicated and understood completely by the receiver.

To Understand

Understanding or listening is an essential objective of effective communication.

Listening plays just as a significant role as verbally talking. Listening skills help the
recipient to understand the messages being sent so she can respond appropriately.
Developing effective listening skills, you should maintain eye contact, focus on the
content, avoid emotional influences, avoid distractions, maintain an active listening
stance and ask questions for clarity. These practical steps will help you fulfill the

objective of understanding what another person or organization is attempting to

communicate.

To be Understood

Communication is intended to be understood. When you communicate with your

spouse or boss you are looking for understanding and a response. If you notice people
have a difficult time understanding you, consider evaluating your ability to send
messages effectively. Communication barriers stand in the way of being understood
such as stereotypes, judgments and jargon. Having an awareness of the recipients
worldview, values and beliefs will help you form your message in such a way that
they will understand.

To Inform

Communication attempts to inform, educate and instruct. Even in mass

communication such as a TV advertisement, the objective of the communication is to
inform or make you aware of a need and provide a solution to that need with a
product. The objective is to inform and educate a person on different perspectives,
beliefs and desires in interpersonal and mass communications.

Characteristics of Effective Communication

By Janoah White, eHow Contributor

Communication is defined as a process by which information is exchanged between

individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. However, in order to
ensure that communication is effective, the parties involved have to make sure that
information is conveyed and received in the way in which it was intended.

Types

Means of effective communication are necessary at work, school, home, or in any

environment in which people interact with one another. Individuals may communicate
verbally, through writing, through body language or in several other ways. Due to
modern technology, we are able to communicate via email, phone, and text messages.
Writing a book, article, or posting information on the Internet is a way of
communicating with a large number of people. Art in its many different forms can be
used to convey a message, such as through song, dance, or painting.

Function

Effective communication takes thought. Individuals have to go beyond knowing the

information they want to convey, and take steps towards figuring out how they can
present that information to others in a way they can best understand. Differences in
spoken languages can be used to demonstrate this idea. If individuals do not speak the
same language it is difficult for them to understand one another because they can't
communicate through verbal or written methods. They have to find alternative routes
to convey the information they wish to share. This may involve gestures, pointing

objects out, or drawing pictures. They will use whatever means they have to try to
clearly define what they are trying to communicate.

Features

Listening is a fundamental step in effective communication. If there is one person

trying to convey information, the other party has to be receptive to what is being
expressed. This does not mean the person has to agree, but rather, he should at least
try to understand. When communication involves the exchange of ideas among two or
more people, each person involved needs to listen to and understand what the other
party is trying to communicate. If there isn't listening among all parties involved, each
person will just be expressing himself in vain

Identification

It is important to know the audience or person you're communicating information to

as best you can. In this way, you can develop strategies to deliver the information in
the way you think it would best reach them. For example, if communicating with
children, you would want to find ways to keep them engaged and interested in what is
being said so that they absorb the information. The same might apply in a group
setting of adults. If communicating with a loved one, you should know them well
enough to determine the best method of communication with them, as well as the best
time to communicate with them.

Considerations

Sometimes attempts at communication can be frustrating. If one or more parties feel

like their message is not being understood or respected, tension or even violence can
arise. Sometimes it is necessary to have a mediator to help both parties fairly see the
others' point of view. A global organization called The Center for Nonviolent
Communication offers workshops and training worldwide to teach strategies of
nonviolent communication.

Five Characteristics of Effective Messages in Business

Communication
By Christina Callaway, eHow Contributor

Whether communicating with employees, vendors or customers, ensuring that you're

producing effective messages is vitally important to the success of your business. To be sure
your business communication is on target, you should ensure that it contains the five
characteristics that are common to the most effective messages.

Clear Purpose

Effective messages include a clear purpose to inform, persuade or collaborate with the
intended audience. The message should be designed according to the audience's level

of understanding, potential reaction and relationship with the composer. Generally, it's
best to include only one main idea in each message, unless there are closely related
issues that must be addressed together. Having a clear purpose in business
communication will also help determine the medium used to deliver the message.

Appropriate Channels

It's also important to choose the appropriate channel to deliver the message. Email
communication can be used for delivery to large audiences, while face-to-face
communication is more appropriate for smaller groups. Formal communication that
needs documentation, such as employee reviews or policy changes, will be best in
written form. It's up to the sender to determine which outlet is most appropriate for a
particular message. For example, a video presentation announcing a company social is
a creative and fun way to excite employees, while using video to announce a death in
the CEO's family may come across as insensitive. The medium should complement,
not distort, the purpose of the message.

Correct Facts

Business communication requires a high level of accuracy in reporting information.

Characteristics of effective business messages include clear dates, facts, resources and
schedules that should be double-checked for completeness and clarity. Effective
messages are also free of jargon, slang and "corporate speak." For instance, instead of
saying that, "the corporation utilizes premium opportunities to expand on strategies,"
simplify it by saying, "our team uses the best resources to help our business grow."

Complete Messages

Written and verbal communication will only be effective when its messages are
complete. Business messages that tell only part of the story are apt to confuse
recipients and fail to engage them as intended. A good test is to ask whether any
message answers all the following questions: who, what, when, where, why and how.
The only way for employees, vendors or business partners to be able act on a message
is if they're provided with its full scope.

Creative Characteristics

Regardless of whether business communication is meant for venture capitalists or

security personnel, people only pay attention to what interests them. The most
effective messages are short, engaging and to the point. Most people won't find every
message interesting, so effective messaging in business communication should
include a bit of creativity. Summarizing and condensing messages will increase the
chance that they'll be read, while emphasizing ideas of great interest will encourage
feedback and action.

Games for Learning Effective Communication Skills

By Hunter Taylor , eHow Contributor

Two elements are crucial in effective communication: relaying a message and receiving a
message. It is just as important to communicate the message as it is to ensure that the proper
message is received. Effective communication is vital to personal and business success.
Companies often provide employee training on effective communication. Through the use of
games, this training focuses on speaking, listening and writing skills.
This game requires two participants and building blocks. The participants sit with their backs
to each other. Participant 1 is given an object that is already built with the blocks, and he
describes the object to participant 2 with enough details so participant 2 can build the object.
Allow the participants three to seven minutes to complete the game, depending on the
complexity of the object.
At the completion of the game, the two participants should have identical objects. If the
objects are not identical, there were communication issues. The two participants should talk
to each other about the message received versus the message relayed. Could different words
have been used; what were the different perspectives; what type of listening skills were used?
To ensure that the lessons learned translate to the office, have the participants recount real-life
issues they encountered in which the message relayed was not the message received.
Without warning, begin reading a passage to the class participants. Make sure the subject is
of interest and pertinent to the class. After reading the passage, ask the class questions about
the story. Also ask the participants about their body language. Were they looking at the person
reading the story? Were there distractions while the story was being read? Ask the
participants if they were easily distracted. This exercise should help participants understand if
they listen effectively and what they need to do to ensure the listener has their attention.
The first participant writes two related sentences on a sheet of paper. He then folds the paper
to cover his first sentence and passes the paper to the next person. The next participant writes
two related sentences based on the one written sentence she can see. She then folds the paper
over so only her last sentence is seen and passes it to the next participant, and so on. The
result will be a funny, nonsensical story. The lesson learned: Before responding to any email
or other form of written communication, make sure you have the full story.

Games for Listening Skills

By Diane Todd, eHow Contributor

Developing good listening skills is important for effective communication in both personal
relationships and business interactions. Being a good listener is not as simple as keeping
silent when someone is talking. Strategies in demonstrating non-verbal signals, proper body
positioning and offering relevant feedback all make a person a more skilled listener. There are
several games you can use to brush up on positive listening skills.

Listening Cues Game

For the first game, split up into two-person teams. Person 1 reads a news article to
Person 2, while Person 2 displays poor listening behavior -- such as fidgeting, looking
around, interrupting to ask questions and making inappropriate facial expressions.
When they are through, Person 2 then explains the article that was just read to him,

back to Person 1. This time, Person 1 should display positive listening skills, such as
making eye contact, sitting still, making appropriate facial cues and taking notes and
waiting until the end to ask questions. Have each group review the article together,
and identify things that Person 2 missed because he wasn't listening closely. This
exercise demonstrates how important it is to use proper listening behaviors to
understand the message being relayed.

Listening With Distractions Game

The second game is played with a large group. It's best executed without informing
the group what the objective is. Simply explain that you will read a story (any story
will do). Give people on the left side of the room a task. For example, ask some of
them to count now many times you say the word "and," and ask others to count the
number of times you smile. Give people on the right side of the room no task at all,
except to listen. Next, read the story. When you have finished, ask each group
member to write down answers to three questions about your story. You will find that
the people who were distracted by a task may not answer the questions as easily as
those who were listening without tasks. Discuss how difficult it was for people to pay
attention when they were not focused on the message itself.

Feedback Game

This game will take some preparation beforehand. Ask people to each prepare a small
presentation on a debatable issue using three to five focus points. Now have the group
members partner up. Ask Person 1 to make her presentation to her partner. When she
is through, the partner must give feedback, either positive or negative. Person 1 has
the opportunity to change her message based on the feedback. Next, have everyone
switch partners, and Person 1 delivers her presentation again to a new partner. Discuss
with the group how feedback changed their messages and made them either more
efficient or more garbled.

What are the Elements of Effective Communication?

By Karin Gonzalez, eHow Contributor
People tend to respect, value, admire and listen to compelling communicators. But good
communication does not come naturally to all. It requires a particular skill set that,
unfortunately, most people don't learn in school. Effective communication means being able
to speak and listen purposefully. Taking the time to learn proper communication skills, like
listening and asking questions, is a worthwhile investment that can grow and nourish your
interpersonal relationships.
Planning how you communicate does not necessarily mean sitting down with a pen and paper
and writing a speech. It entails carefully thinking about the intended message and reaction
you hope to get from your friend or family member. Identify and address any of your
negative feelings before speaking to avoid speaking out of anger or frustration. The healthiest
communicators know how to take responsibility for their negative feelings by using "I
statements" containing a feeling and need, rather than blaming the other person or making

blanket statements. For example, say, "I feel angry because I need more appreciation from
you," rather than, "I'm pissed off because you never show any appreciation for me."
Therapists have a common trick up their sleeves, and it does not require a Ph.D.; they all
know how to actively listen. Active listening requires being completely present with the
person who is speaking without thinking about what you will say in response. It consists of
withholding premature judgments before getting all the facts. It entails empathy -- truly
feeling what the other is feeling -- and mirroring and paraphrasing their feelings and needs
back to them to ensure you are understanding them. For example, after you have listened to
your wife, you might say: "You're feeling frustrated because you need me to help you more
with the baby." These skills will make the person to whom you are speaking feel valued,
respected and truly heard.
According to Anthony Alessandra, Ph.D. and Phillip Hunsaker, Ph.D., people ask questions
for several different reasons in communication: to obtain information, fuel conversation,
acquire another's opinion, ascertain agreement, establish rapport and trust and verify
information. Want someone to have a favorable opinion of you? Ask them questions! People
love talking about themselves. Use the funnel technique: Start with broad questions and then
get to more specific ones. Just be sure to avoid offensive, leading or manipulative questions
in your communication.
Try to avoid the following mistakes in interpersonal communication: Labeling ("you are an
incredibly lazy person"), name-calling ("you're so stupid") and criticism ("why can't you do
anything right?") Prematurely giving advice before encouraging or allowing others to
express feelings Giving unwarranted advice with, "you should," (especially true with
teenagers!) Using "always" or "never" in a negative way, unless it is really true, i.e., "You
NEVER do the dishes." This puts the other person on the offensive. Making false threats or
promises you cannot fulfill. This makes your word less worthy in the future.

Activities on Communication Skills

By Priti Ramjee, eHow Contributor

People have their own area in communications for improvement. For some it may be oral
communication development, for others, nonverbal communication, or getting over fear of
speaking in groups. Activities can build communication skills, create awareness of your
strengths and weaknesses to confidently address groups of people even for a simple
introduction, communicate verbally and non-verbally, detect truths and lies, and instruct
effectively. Activities should boost energy levels, be creative, challenging and enjoyable.

Communicating Truths and Lies Activity

Body language and oral communication reveal truths and lies. An activity to become
acquainted with true and false statements is a truth and lies game. Participants
describe three live experiences--two real and one false. For example, describe
incidents and experiences of being a stand-up comedian, working in the Yukon
building a pipeline, and, crashing a new car the day after buying it. The audience
votes on which one is a lie discussing your body language and oral communication
skills.

Non-Verbal Communication Activity

Often, people rely on verbal communication and neglect nonverbal communication

skills. As an activity to develop nonverbal skills, sit in pairs and introduce yourselves
to each other and share some interesting information about yourselves verbally with
your partner. Take turns standing up and introducing your partner to the group. The
challenge is to introduce your partner with no words or props, only actions.

Icebreaker Communication Activity

Communicating to introduce yourself to strangers in a group can be a terrifying

experience. This activity breaks the ice for group introductions. Work in pairs with
one person being a host and the other a guest. The host has to find out three
interesting facts about her guest. Switch the roles and repeat. Form a large group.
Each person takes turns presenting three facts about their guest to the group.

Communicating Instructions Activity

Enjoy an activity to discover how effectively you communicate instructions. Have one
person each act as a Director, a Runner and a Builder. The Director has a private
model of assembled building blocks. He gives building instructions to the Runner
who runs back and forth communicating instructions for the Builder who attempts to
build a replica. In 10 minutes, the Builder reveals his model and compares it with the
original. The audience comments on what worked and areas for improvement in
communication.

Nonverbal Communication Activities for Adults

By Linda Basilicato, eHow Contributor

Facial expressions, posture, tone, inflection and other nuances of body language and speech
may comprise more than 90 percent of communication, according to research reported in The
Forensic Examiner. That means the words we choose make up less than 10 percent of our
intended meaning any time we communicate. Nonverbal communication activities can help
us learn to direct the power of these nonverbal cues--and to say more effectively what we
really mean.
Direct participants to stand in a circle with one person in the middle. No one is allowed to
talk. The person in the middle wants to take the place of a person in the circle. People in the
circle want to exchange places without becoming usurped by the person in the middle. To
accomplish this, participants need to use eye contact and other nonverbal cues to
communicate and negotiate a move.
This activity challenges a group to say the letters of the alphabet in order without ever having
two participants saying the same letter at the same time. Any sequence can be used; you may
choose months, numbers or holidays instead.

Direct participants to stand in a circle. Ask each person to silently choose a leader. They are
not to tell anyone who their leader is. Explain that each person will mimic the moves or
changes in position of her leader. Before beginning, ask each person to close her eyes and
assume a pose. Eyes should open on the director's command, and position should not be
changed except to follow one's leader. In the end, everyone will be in the same position.
Start this activity by placing a rope on the ground. Ask the group to select a listener. Bring
that person forward 20 feet and blindfold him. He is not allowed to speak for the remainder of
the game, and he cannot move unless directed to do so. Ask the group to select a
communicator. Bring that person forward 10 feet and turn her so she faces the group, which
should be standing on the starting line. The communicator may not turn around to look at the
listener. She is the only person in the group allowed to speak. Give the group a set of
instructions involving the use of props. For example: "Direct the listener to put the scarf on
his head, the glove on his hand and take off his shoe." The group must communicate these
instructions to the communicator without speaking, so the communicator can tell the
blindfolded listener what to do.
Follow-up discussion is important for these games to be effective. Some discussion questions
will be specific to the activity: How did it feel to be the one in the middle of the circle (Jedi
Mind Trick). Other discussion questions are more general: What nonverbal cues did you use
to accomplish the task? How do nonverbal cues affect group dynamics and leadership? How
can you use this information to communicate more effectively? An experienced team building
consultant can help you get the most out of these games.