What Makes an Effective Communicator?

Communication Competence: "What Makes an Effective Communicator?"

An effective communicator can immediately evaluate the situation at hand and parlay this information into effective and successful communication. A competent evaluation includes quickly interpreting the receiver's current demeanor and their environment. Mood and body language of the receiver can also give clues as to how the communication should proceed on the part of the communicator.

An example of my communication competence is the interpersonal relationship with my teenage daughter. Her attitude and mood is constantly changing. In order to communicate effectively with her I have to adapt my communication style to fit her mood and attitude. Depending upon her state of mind I may use direct face to face contact, a form of social media and or letter writing.

On the days that her mood is sullen and withdrawn I communicate on a limited basis. Texting is usually the most appropriate course of action which allows me to gather the pertinent information I need. When her mood is more jovial and outgoing I communicate on a more direct level asking more difficult questions. I always want our communication channels to remain open and the only way to effectively accomplish this is to be flexible in my communication style.

I have become very adept at communicating with my teenage daughter partly because of my strong commitment level to this interpersonal relationship. If my commitment level was not high and of the utmost importance to me the communication would cease to exist on the part of my daughter and I would fail at adapting my communication style to fit her needs.