How can you use communication theories to improve your practice?

1 Self-awareness theory

Self-awareness theory suggests that when you become aware of yourself as an object of attention, you tend to compare yourself with your own standards and values, and adjust your behavior accordingly. For example, if you notice that you are speaking too fast or too softly in a presentation, you might try to slow down or raise your voice to match your expectations. Self-awareness can help you improve your communication practice by making you more conscious of your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and motivations, and your emotions and reactions. You can increase your self-awareness by seeking feedback, reflecting on your experiences, and practicing mindfulness.

2 Social exchange theory

Social exchange theory proposes that people engage in relationships based on the costs and benefits they perceive from them. For example, if you feel that a friendship provides you with more support, enjoyment, and trust than it requires from you in terms of time, energy, and commitment, you are likely to maintain and strengthen that relationship. Social exchange theory can help you improve your communication practice by helping you evaluate and balance your needs and expectations with those of others, and by encouraging you to communicate more openly and honestly about what you value and appreciate in your interactions.

3 Transactional model of communication

Transactional model of communication describes communication as a dynamic and continuous process, in which both parties are simultaneously senders and receivers of messages, and in which the messages are influenced by the context, the channel, the noise, and the feedback. For example, if you send an email to a colleague, you are not only conveying information, but also creating a relationship, and you are not only expecting a response, but also interpreting the tone, the timing, and the content of the reply. Transactional model of communication can help you improve your communication practice by reminding you to consider the multiple factors and effects of your communication, and by enabling you to adapt and adjust your messages according to the situation and the feedback.

4 Active listening theory

Active listening theory emphasizes the importance of listening not only to the words, but also to the emotions, the intentions, and the meanings behind them. Active listening involves paying attention, showing interest, reflecting, clarifying, summarizing, and asking questions. For example, if a client expresses dissatisfaction with your service, you can use active listening to acknowledge their feelings, restate their concerns, ask for more details, and offer solutions. Active listening can help you improve your communication practice by building trust and rapport, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts, and enhancing collaboration and problem-solving.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?