Factors to Consider When Promoting Effective Communication

There are many factors to consider when promoting effective communication. Practitioners have to choose the right communication method or style be it verbal or non-verbal form of communication to suit every situation and more importantly the age of the children they are working with. When interacting with young children, language used need not only be appropriate but also simple, easy and clear to understand. This may be different when communicating with an adult. In which case the language used may be more complex and sentences faster. Practitioners also need to show good listening skills when interacting with adults as this shows you value what they are saying. It is also important for practitioners’ to show good listening skills when communicating with children. Some children take longer in getting their sentences out and any disinterest shown may affect a child’s confidence for future communication. Practitioners also need to be patient and not interrupt others when they speak or finish sentences for them.

Going down to the child’s level and making eye contact is also a good way of promoting effective communication as this demonstrates you are giving them your undivided attention. Although hand gestures can be helpful tools of communicating, care should be taken when using them because of differences in culture. It is important that practitioners do not make this general assumption. Body language is another factor to consider when promoting effective communication. Our body movements and gestures can reflect our moods. Crossed arms may be interpreted as being irritated or uninterested. It is important as practitioners to be aware of these in order to avoid tense atmosphere. It is also important for practitioners to use warm tones when communicating. Smiling as you talk on the telephone for instance will give you a warmer tone of voice. For practitioners to develop effective communication at the work place, all of the above discussed factors will come to play, carrying on and ignoring reactions to these is not an option.