We find ourselves immersed in the so-called “era of communication” . Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds to try to respond to our communication demands and we are finding more and more devices that make this task easier: smartphones, computers, tablets,…

Every day we have more resources to get a message across to others, but despite all the technological help, getting a message across is not an easy task. Communicating better becomes increasingly confusing in the face of so many technological channels through which to express oneself.

Let us think for a moment of health professionals, psychologists, police officers, judicial workers or people working with disadvantaged groups who, on occasion, in the course of their work, may be obliged to communicate information that is not easy to pass on to others. Would they be capable of transmitting a message without leaving part of themselves in it? Or, even more important, what would happen if they only paid attention to the message and did not value the rest of the elements of communication?

Communication is more than words

Communicating is more than just saying something , it involves much more than just words. Whether we are aware of it or not, it is not only the message we want to convey that is relevant, but also the way in which we convey that message. Communicating includes several actions at the same time: closeness, ability to listen, to show empathy and understanding.

The communication specialist makes use of his body language to help the message to reach the receiver properly and it is these body resources that give the speech its proper meaning and importance.

On the one hand, we have the non-verbal language (posture when speaking, movements while speaking, facial expression and eye contact, among many other elements) and, on the other hand, we have the paraverbal elements of language (intonation of the voice, pauses or emphasis when speaking, rhythm with which we deliver our speech, silences, timbre and volume of the voice, etc.) that favour the expression of our attitude, feelings and emotions in this respect.

The paraverbal communication motivates the receiver and helps him/her to be attentive to the speech, thus allowing him/her to process the information and favouring the change of turn in the speakers.

Tips for better communication

In order to improve your communication skills , you must bear in mind that communication is much more than what you say through words. Here are some keys that will help you to progress.

1. Maintain a relaxed and relaxed posture

When we are tense the person who should receive the message perceives it and responds to our state by becoming alert . To do this, throw your shoulders back, don’t cross your arms (this is usually aggressive for the receiver), look into their eyes and, above all, show a friendly smile, it will help to relax the atmosphere.

2. Listen

Just as important as the message to be conveyed are the feelings and concerns it generates in the person listening. If we do not allow the receiver to express himself, the communication deteriorates. Make the other person feel understood , heard and valid.

3. Use a soft, slow tone of voice

Above all, when faced with difficult news or news that can generate violent reactions, it is essential to maintain a calm and soft tone of voice, which facilitates communication and helps the other person to calm down and listen to the rest of the message.

4. Be concrete, honest and sincere

Don’t detour to transmit the information, the receiver perceives the reluctance to give the message and increases his concern, making communication difficult. If the receiver perceives that you are transmitting the information in a direct and sincere way he will appreciate the gesture.

5. Do not judge

It is essential that the receiver does not feel judged during the speech, take care of your words and non-verbal and paraverbal language. Improving communication also consists of making it more fluent, and this key will help you do this by eliminating barriers.

6. Ask if you don’t understand

The quality of the speech depends on knowing what is being asked of us. Likewise, it is fundamental to allow ourselves to recognize that there are times when we will not be able to give a correct or adequate answer because it is beyond our control or knowledge. This also helps us to show an image of closeness that favours communication.

7. Evaluate your feelings

When we are forced to give a message with which we do not agree or which causes us discomfort, we transmit these feelings to the receiver, who can transfer these emotions to him.

8. Highlights positive aspects

Highlighting favourable aspects and, above all, ending the discourse with these aspects , helps to empower the receiver to face the situation in which he/she finds him/herself.

One message, millions of possibilities

The same message can have an infinite number of different meanings , when we transmit it we are giving it a part of us. Each message carries an inherent personal stamp of the person who transmits it and makes it unique in the hands of different people.

If we take the example of professionals who have the difficult task of transmitting sensitive information to other people, we can understand the importance of good communication and how essential it is for the sender to take care of the non-verbal aspects of his or her communication, so that they accompany and enrich the message being transmitted.