Good Communication in Social Interaction

1. The Importance of Communication

Communication plays a very important role in a social interaction. Communication is the conveyance of ideas that are conveyed to others, causing interaction with one another and causing an impact on the idea or information.

In my view, communication is important and key as information. Ideas cannot be conveyed if there is no communication. It is also important to maintain relationships between people, which are also known as social interactions. A person can interact socially with others through good communication. For example, to buy an item or necessity in a traditional market, we need to communicate with the seller by asking for the price then bidding on the price, then buying it by showing how much we want to buy. Another example is when we find ourselves in a new environment, we need to socialize in that environment, just as we socialize by communicating. Communication is important to understand other people or other people understand us. We can understand other people when we communicate with others. We can communicate through verbal and non-verbal communication. For example, we know that people are angry with what they say or express.

Communication according to Mc Cubbin and Dahl (1985) defines communication as a process of exchanging feelings, wants, needs and opinions. Through communication, humans can learn and manage strategies to influence the situation we are going to enter. In order to communicate well, good communication skills by listening, writing and speaking are needed that have been taught to humans from birth.

In fact, humans are social creatures who need interaction with each other. You are sure to communicate every day with coworkers, family, or even strangers that you just met. Communicating well will really help you to understand each other, avoid misunderstandings, and of course make other people happy to converse with you. Even not only that, having the ability to communicate well can open business or career opportunities for you. Therefore, having good communication skills is important.

2. Poor Communication

In this interaction, there are usually obstacles that can cause a communication to not work properly. If good communication does not occur, a common impact is miscommunication or misperception. That will lead to conflict between individuals so that the relationship between individuals is not good. According to Ron Ludlow & Fergus Panton In communication there are always obstacles that can interfere with the smooth running of the communication process. So that the information and ideas conveyed cannot be received and understood clearly by the recipient of the message or receiver.

Different perceptions of each person have different abilities in terms of interpreting a message or expression. Some people interpret someone's yell as assertiveness. However, there are also people who interpret the shouting as cruelty and acts of violence. This difference in perception is the reason why the two parties are in conflict. Sometimes, the same words can be interpreted differently when conveyed to different people. In addition, the factor of lack of trust in the story or message conveyed by the communicator also becomes an obstacle in communicating interactions, and in the end the message delivery process does not work properly.

3. The Cause of Poor Communication

Communication errors can be caused by various factors. These mistakes can lead to conflict and misunderstanding. The following are causes that could lead to poor communication:

1. Differences in Perception 

Everyone has different abilities in terms of interpreting a message or expression. This is one of the biggest causes that can lead to poor communication

2. Less Clear Pronunciation

The first cause is the unclear pronunciation or pronunciation in communication. Where this error will then make the interlocutor or those who are invited to communicate unable to receive all the information. Especially if you communicate with other people who have different accents. Surely this regional accent will affect the pronunciation of the word or sentence he utters.

3. Talking Too Hastily

Everyone has different abilities in digesting information. Poor communication can be caused by speaking too hastily. Where the speed of your speech makes the other person unable to understand what you are saying. The result will make communication not work properly.

4. Inaccurate Way of Submission

The way of delivery is also a fundamental thing that can cause errors in communication. When you convey it in the wrong way, for example using a slightly loud voice. Then people will interpret that you are angry. Surely this condition can trigger the other person to be offended.

5. Information Conveyed Incorrectly

This change in habit will make a big difference, because voice and body language are such a vital part of conversation. For example, too low a tone and volume of speech can also be considered as the main causes of errors in communication. Because when you speak too softly, the other person won't be able to hear. Even if you can hear it is worrying that what they hear is not the same as what you say.

6. Unsupportive Atmosphere

The next cause of errors in communication is not good is where the conditions are not supportive. For example, in an atmosphere that is too busy and noisy. So surely what you say cannot be heard clearly by the other person. Of course this can cause communication to take place improperly.

7. Situational Communication Barrier

In communicating, a communicator should pay attention to the situation. The obstacles that occur are caused by situation factors. That is, if the communicant is in a condition that does not want to listen to an information or message. In addition, a communicator must pay attention to situations related to the condition of a communicant.

8. Cultural Differences

The causes that occur are due to differences in culture, religion and social environment. Culture Cultural differences are also an obstacle to communication, especially if each party does not understand the language used. However, this is not a big problem with poor communication.

9. Basic Character

There are basically 4 basic human characters, namely choleric, melancholy, phlegmatic, and sanguine. The four of them have opposite characters. Choleric is a strong character who can sometimes be offensive.

10. Poor choice of communication channels

If you communicate through communication tools, this is a disturbance caused by the media used in smoothing the communication. For example in everyday life include intermittent telephone lines.

4. How to Improve Good Communication

1. Being able to listen to other people is very important in the communication process. This means not only listening with your ears, but also being able to understand what the person is saying. Giving the other person your full attention when they come up with ideas can go a long way in building a relationship.

2. Empathy is very important for communication. Empathy involves seeing things from the perspective of others. Put yourself in the position of the other person instead of being judgmental or prejudiced by your own beliefs. While this may be difficult for some, empathizing with others can be very helpful in keeping up with your own emotions and ideas.

3. Be clear and concise. When you speak clearly, are good at communicating, and convey clear articulations, it will provide good feedback for both parties in communication. 

4. If the problem is with your speaking speed, the solution is to speak slowly. When you are talking about something that is very pleasant, it is very easy for you to start the conversation and you can even speak very quickly. Try to slow down the speed of your speech, because it will be easier for the other person to listen to and grasp the meaning you want to convey.

5. In communicating, you should not use unfamiliar words if you are forced to use foreign words, the sender must be sure that the meaning of the word is understood by the recipient.

6. Concentrate only on the information conveyed by each party, and the structure must match the communication needs.

7. Be quiet and listen When you are talking to other people, you need not only to open your mouth, but also your ears. When the interlocutor is expressing his thoughts, do not interrupt them but be quiet and listen to the sentences being spoken. This not only allows you to concentrate on listening to what the other person is saying, but also makes him feel valued.

8. Respect what the other person says. Always respect every word, thought, feeling, or input from others, because everyone has their own perspective. Don't just demand respect for your opinion, but also respect the opinions of others.

9. Speak out loud. No need to hesitate, because the other person really wants to hear you. Speak clearly. Don't be like mumbling. Speak in a non-monotonous voice. Engage emotion in your voice. Use pauses. Slow delivery coupled with pauses will make the other person more attentive in listening and the atmosphere becomes more relaxed. Body language. Use good body language.

References:

https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/DiahSuciP/hambatan-komunikasi-dan-strategis-mengatasi-hambatan-kap-1 

5 Ways to Define Good Communication. https://bit.ly/3gVop6V