Communication Dynamics – Part 1

Constructive Use of Communication :
Communication Interaction Dynamics

Last week, we look at the overview introduction of Constructive Use of Communication, you can find the article here. This week, we continue with to look at the Communication interaction dynamics that occurs during the communication with another. We observe this interaction dynamics and how it influence me in the communication and the communications outcomes. 

There are many dynamics that are involved in our seemly simple daily communications. Let’s observe some of the elements that influence our communication, be aware of how we are communicating. There are 4 dimensions in this communication interaction that I would like to highlight here today.

1. The person/persons that we are communicating with
2. “Me” in the Communication
3. Our messages in communication
4. Situation and Context of the communication

We will look at how each of the four, how they influence and affect the way we communicate, the message that we give and in different circumstances.

1. The person/persons that we are communicating with

The person that we are communicating with ie individuals or groups or community, our family members, spouse etc. The way “he / she” receives my communication, as I perceive it, can have an effect, or bearing in the way that I may respond and communicate.

In the interactive communication, the way “he/she” respond as I express my thoughts or feelings ie by nodding or looking at me while I am speaking or actively listening to me, their body language when we are communicating face to face; or quick appropriate responses to my whatsapp messages, I may sense that I am well received by him/her. Their responsiveness, triggers the encouragement and openness within me to further develop and engage in the communication. I may feel a sense of been heard, seen and accepted by the person I am communicating with, a sense of belonging and well received within the group and so forth. I feel alive and happy in the communication, and this foster good communication and relationships.

For example, I am tasked to organize an event in the group that I am with. Members in the group enthusiastically responded to my request for help and ideas for the event. I feel my requests were well received by others, and they were eager to participate. The eager responses and help made me feel accepted in the role that I have been given, and their participation gives me a sense of belonging in this group and affirms my relational and organizing skills. I feel happy and motivated to work with them to make the event successful.

 

However, if I sense “he/she” (especially significant persons in my life and circle of friends) ignore me by not replying my whatsapp in a timely manner or do not look at me when I speaking etc, it may trigger a certain reaction in me. For some, this may trigger a reaction of frustration, anger, hurt or fear of being ignored, being unimportant or a sense of rejection. The reaction can vary from mild to strong and can greatly influence the way I communicate to the detrimental of the relationship.  

In the similar example of the above of organizing the event, if my requests for help in the group were ignored, no one responded to my message or take up any role for the event, I tend to feel rejected, ignored and I start to doubt my communication and leadership capacity in the group. I feel disappointed and stop pursuing to make the event happen. I may leave the group as a response.

While the other person or group can influence our communication in a positive or negative way, depends what I sense is triggered in me during the communication, I can further react or communicate with the persons. 

We continue next week, the role of  “Me” in my communication interaction and how my way of being affects my communication. “Me in my communication” looks at “what happens in me” can enhance my way of relating, in my effort to build or foster our relationship when communicating or perhaps sometimes negatively influencing the communication. Till then, don’t forget to subscribe! Stay safe