Thoughts about Effective Communication

The ability to communicate a vision and purpose to individuals and groups will help Rotarians gain support and accomplish goals in both Rotary and their professions.  Rotarians build trust and fellowship by listening, understanding, and providing feedback. Different communication styles may be described as follows:

 

Direct:  Speaks decisively, states positions strongly, gets to the point

Spirited:  Readily expresses opinions, focuses on the big picture, can be persuasive

Systematic:  Focuses on specific details, uses precise language, emphasizes facts instead of emotions

Considerate:  Listens well and uses close, personal, supportive language

 

Effective communication also includes active listening, providing feedback, and recognizing barriers to understanding.  Interpretation of nonverbal communication methods, including facial expressions, gestures, silence, eye contact and use of personal space further enhances effective communication. 

 

*Based on research from the Human Resource Development Quarterly.