Various Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown

Strategies to Avoid Communication Breakdown

methods used to maintain clear and effective communication and prevent misunderstanding.

Keep Focused

keeping in mind the purpose of communication. Speakers should identify their purpose, while listeners should understand the speaker’s purpose through verbal and non-verbal cues.

Speak Intelligibly

speaking clearly by using appropriate volume, pitch, rate, proper enunciation, stress, and acceptable pronunciation to ensure understanding.

Listen with Your Ears and Eyes

paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal messages because effective communication depends on what people say and how they say it.

Minimize Distractions

reducing noise and distractions by choosing quiet places to allow better focus and concentration.

Be Specific

using simple and concise words that are direct and clear when delivering a message.

Do Not Jump to Conclusions

listening attentively before giving comments or judgments and analyzing information before making conclusions.

7Cs of Effective Communication

principles listed by Broom, Cutlip, and Center (2012) to achieve understanding and avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Completeness

including all information that the receiver needs to properly understand, respond to, or evaluate the message.

Conciseness

making the message direct and straight to the point using the least possible number of words and avoiding irrelevant information.

Consideration

showing regard for the audience’s background, including culture, education, religion, status, mood, feelings, and needs to build a connection.

Concreteness

supporting communication with facts, figures, and real-life examples to make the message easier to understand.

Courtesy

showing respect by understanding the audience’s culture, values, beliefs, and perspectives while using appropriate words and language.

Clearness

using simple and specific words to express ideas and avoid confusing the audience.

Correctness

avoiding grammar mistakes to improve the credibility and effectiveness of the message.

Helpful Expressions for Communication

words and phrases used to process messages, give feedback, ask for clarification, and check understanding.

Expressions to Process Messages

“Really,” “Uhmm,” “Uh-huh,” “Anyway,” and “Tell me more…”

Expressions for Positive Remarks

“Sounds good” and “I see what you mean.”

Expressions for Asking Repetition

“Can you please repeat what you said?”, “What did you say again?”, and “What did you mean when you say that…”

Expressions for Checking Understanding

“So, are you saying that…” and “So, what is your understanding of this?”