By the end of this post, the reader should be able to:
·
Explain communication and
its importance.
·
Describe the communication
process.
· Explain the need to communicate effectively in the family.
WHAT IS COMMUNICATION
It is the transfer of information from one person to
another or a group of people and or one group to another. It is the
transmission of information so that persons affected receive and understand it.
It is the process of sending and receiving messages.
It involves the sharing of ideas and feelings with other people. Messages are
sent through the use of verbal and non-verbal language. Communication is what
the receiver understands, not what the sender says.
Verbal communication
Verbal communication takes the form of meetings,
interviews, speeches, informal contact lectures, etc. It involves the use of
telephone, public address systems, inter communications systems. It begins with
selecting the right words to express oneself. To make verbal communication
effective, one must think before you talk, you must speak precisely and
clearly, think about those you are talking to (audience) etc.
Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal communication includes all communications
which do not involve the use of words either verbal or written form. It is the
use of symbols, gestures or facial expressions to send messages. It is the only
alternative means of communication especially when the sender and receiver
cannot use a common language.
Importance of Communication in the Family
(i) It enables
more than one person to contribute to planning and implementing activities in
the family to achieve family goals. Effective communication makes it possible
for every member of the family to make an input during planning and therefore
taking active part in the implementation of plans.
(ii) Communication is a resource that can be used
daily to increase and improve upon the use of other resources. Through
communication, family members are able to determine how to use resources
available to achieve their goals.
(iii) Communication strengthens family relationships.
It helps bring family members together to live peacefully. Conflicts can
therefore be easily resolved.
(iv) It contributes to success in the home and at the
work place. Through communication family members get to know his/her role or
the activities he/she must perform to achieve family goals.
(v) It also contributes to satisfying family life.
Communication makes family
members become fulfilled and satisfied with life.
(vi) Communication helps family members to share in
decision making to solve problems more effectively.
(vii) Family relationship is strengthened through
effective communication. This is because family meetings or discussions can be
an opportunity to improve relationships.
The Communication Process
For communication to take place a person must:
(i) Receive
the message.
(ii) Understand
the meaning of the message.
(iii) Relate the message to past experiences.
(iv) And respond appropriately.
Barriers to communication
There are several kinds of barriers that may prevent
messages from being exchanged within the family or between family members.
Internal barriers
Internal
barriers are those factors within the individual that could limit or hinder
effective communication. They include:
(i) Sex, age and status of the individual in the family: These variables determine when and how an individual communicates in the family. Inferiority complex due to one's age and status in the family can hinder effective communication.
(ii) Values: Differences in value systems of
individuals in a family can affect effective communication.
(iii) Perception and understanding: People
attribute different meanings to words even when they speak the same language.
The way people perceive and understand messages may sometimes be different from
the intended meaning.
(iv) Language barrier: Where people or
individuals do not speak or understand the same language, it will be difficult
if not impossible for them to communicate.
(v) Distortion: Information may be distorted or
omitted by the sender.
(vi) Where there is conflict between individuals in
the family, information may be withdrawn or withheld.
(vii) Semantic problems: The way people
perceive and understand messages may be different from the intended meaning of
the message therefore hindering the communication process.
External barriers
External barriers in communication are things that can impede communication
that we don't necessarily have control over.
(i) Open family system: This allows elements or
situations outside the family influence it. It may even welcome external
influences.
(ii) Semi-closed
family system: This system partially isolates its members from the
environment. It is somehow isolated and self-contained.
The Instances When Communication Needs to be Improved
(i) When
there are conflicts in the family.
(ii) When
there is imbalance in the use of resources. e.g time, money.
(iii) When
relationships are not harmonious among family members.
(iv) If
management skills are lacking in the family.
Guidelines for Effective Communication
(i) Send clear messages.
(ii) Be considerate of others feelings, choose words
carefully to avoid offending others.
(iii) Watch your tone or voice. People are more likely
to respond to a pleasant tone or voice.
(iv) Maintain eye contact. Look directly to your
listeners.
(v) Develop good conversation skills, encourage people
to talk.
(vi) Use good manners.
(vii) Be an active listener.
(viii) Open communication among family members.
Importance of open communication in the family
i. All family members are involved in decision-making
ii. Open communication helps in achieving good family interpersonal relationships.
iii. Makes it possible for all family members to be
part of the planning for and implementing the use of family resources in
achieving family goals.
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1.a. What is communication?
b. Outline five importance of communication to the family
2. State five barriers to effective communication in
the family.
3. Explain five guidelines for effective communication.
4.a. Define communication
b. Explain four reasons why communication is important
in family living
c. State the communication process
d. Explain four internal barriers to communication
e. State
three instances that will require communication to be improved in the family.
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