Communication is an art of conveying and/or receiving a message from one party to another and effectively understanding what is being said and what is being said and what was intended to be said.

Communication can also be receiving information that others are sending to you, with as little distortion as possible. For communication to be complete, it must be understood and acted upon.

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION

Verbal communication: This involves laughing, crying (what is said out loud)verbal channels include face-to-face, meeting, telephone, and video Conferencing.

Non-verbal communication: This includes writing, arts, body language, facial                                        expressions, postures, actions etc. Writing channels letters and reports.

BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION

SPEAKER BARRIERSMESSAGE BARRIERSRECEIVER BARRIERSCHANNEL BARRIERSFEED BACK BARRIERS
٭Age ٭Sex *Language/ Vocabulary   ٭Manner of Speech   *Presentation *Attitude or Values    *Cultural differences  *Emotional issues   *Religious issues  ٭ Poor  *timing  *Inappropriate for the situation   *Complexity in the ideas, thoughts or concepts being transferred  *Inadequate attention   *Impatience  *Know it all attitude or other forms of negative personality traits  *Interruption  *Anger  *Sulking, yelling or talking loudly  *Environment i.e. Interruption,  noise, distractions etc   *Distance  *Poortiming     *Inappropriate Complexityin thoughtsor conceptsbeing transferred    

SPEAKING AND LISTENING SKILLS

In life we probably use our speaking and listening skill more than any other kind of skill. We are always talking to someone or being spoken to, giving instructions or receiving instructions. Effectiveness in these skills takes practice. The art of speaking and listening is very crucial to effective communication.  Information is an intangible substance that must be sent by the speaker and received by a listener as intended.

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE SPEAKING

  1. Use simple wordswhen it comes to delivering your message
  2. Know the receiver’s background by understanding where your audience is coming from. you can then tune your message to suit them
  3. Watch your manner of speech, don’t talk too fast
  4. Choose your channel or medium wisely
  5. Use examples to bring your point to life

THREE BASIC LISTENING STEPS ARE:

  1. Hearing
  2. Understanding
  3. Judging

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE SPEAKING:

  1. Judging
  2. Understanding
  3. Hearing

WRITING AND DRAFTING SKILLS

Basic knowledge of readingand writing is indispensablein the paralegal‘s work. A paralegal should be able to takestatements from complainants inwriting and also write reports andprepare other documents in very clearand legible English.

TIPS TO EFFECTIVE WRITING

  1. Avoid wordiness
  2. Write for your audience.
  3. Use simple language as you don’t want the reader to haveto use a dictionary to decipher what you are trying to say.
  4. Make it concise and precise because most people juggle several tasksat the same time, and are interested in receiving only necessaryinformation. Stay away from jargon that your reader may notunderstand.
  5. Proof-read: Proof-reading is one of the most importantthings you can do. When you have completed your first draft,take a break if time permits and then re-read.

TIPS TO EFFECTIVE WRITING.

ASK YOURSELF…

❖Is the writing clear?
❖Do the ideas make sense?
❖ Are my ideas supported by evidence?
❖ Are all of my requirements fulfilled?
❖Did I avoid repetition?
❖Have I used proper grammar and spelling?
❖How does it sound read out loud?