100% transmission is impossible (Part 2)

Many people mistakenly believe that the ability to relate to others is an innate trait that cannot be developed. However, effective communication is a skill tied to emotional intelligence that can be honed with dedication and practice.

Social Wiring: The Neuroscience of Human Connections and Communication

In "Social," renowned psychologist Dr. Matthew Lieberman presents groundbreaking research in social neuroscience, revealing that our need to connect with other people is more fundamental than our need for food or shelter.

"Social" contends that our inclination to connect with others is a primary force driving our actions. While many assume that our behaviors are solely guided by pain and pleasure, recent research using fMRI—including a substantial amount of original work conducted by Lieberman and his UCLA team—demonstrates that our brains respond to social pain and pleasure similarly to how they react to physical pain and pleasure. Fortunately, our brain has evolved advanced mechanisms to ensure our position in the social ecosystem. We possess a unique capacity to understand others' thoughts, enabling us to discern their aspirations, fears, and motives, thereby facilitating effective coordination in our communal lives. Our profound sense of identity is intrinsically tied to significant individuals and groups in our lives. This interconnectedness often prompts us to prioritize communal well-being over individual desires. Such behaviors may appear irrational but stem from our deeply rooted social instincts essential for our species' success.

Thus, we are fundamentally social beings, and our existence revolves around relationships and interactions. Good relationships are predicated on effective communication. Our perception of the world is molded by our individual lenses; we interpret details and consider them as universal truths. We assume everyone perceives them as we do. However, others might discern different aspects, possibly more authentic or accurate than our observations.

As I've previously highlighted in my article, from a social psychological standpoint, the first among the five golden rules of communication is that '100% Transmission is Impossible'. Hence, the communication model illustrated in my earlier article requires modifications, as depicted in Figure 1.

Communication Diagram from the Perspective of Social Psychology

From a social psychology perspective, the communication diagram should incorporate the following elements:

The Social System

Each society possesses a distinct system and philosophy that its members adhere to. Communication within the society is influenced by logic, religious beliefs, and philosophical ideas held by its members. The society establishes clear guidelines for communication based on its ethical framework and cultural environment. Communication occurs between individuals or groups with social ties, whether these ties are temporary or permanent. Social psychology underscores the significance of communication, viewing it as a foundational aspect of social relationships.

The Importance of Language in Communication

Language is vital in communication. Social psychology emphasizes the significance of language because of its crucial role in the communication process. A shared language can align perspectives among individuals and can help unify their attitudes, values, and ideas, facilitating the transfer of these aspects between them. The educational and cultural levels also significantly influence communication among individuals and groups. One can discern an individual's cultural background by their use of language and behavior. Nonetheless, language sometimes falls short in fully expressing an individual's intent.

The Significance of Social Position in Communication

Social standing influences the nature of communication. For instance, when unfamiliar individuals meet, their primary interest often lies in understanding each other's social status. One might deduce an individual's standing from their manner of speaking, or they might inquire directly about each other's position. This dynamic is influenced by the social values, norms, and traditions prevalent in the society.

The Ability to Communicate

Individuals vary significantly in their communication skills. Thus, one should understand how and with whom to communicate. Factors such as shyness, fear, anxiety, self-awareness, and personal development influence an individual's ability to communicate. Since communication relies on interaction with others and the exchange of messages, both the sender and the receiver play crucial roles. Consequently, challenges may arise in decoding messages, potentially hindering feedback.

The Individual's Emotions, Attitudes, and Expectations

Information from various sources shapes an individual's specific attitudes towards others, directly influencing the nature of communication and the methods used. As John Darley and Wallen Brachlaid pointed out, "Pre-existing information about someone often influences our attitudes and interactions with them. Knowledge about another person's behavior and speaking manner also affects our social interactions. However, these feelings and information become genuine social contact only after engaging and interacting with them."

Communication Styles

Communication is not inherently good or bad. It is influenced by the choice of words, facial expressions, tone of voice, posture, hand gestures, and other cues that define the communication style.

Communication Channels

Social communication relies on various channels. These channels should be clear and free from interference, such as noise, excessive heat or light, ventilation issues, and other external factors that can disrupt the communication process.

The Physical Distance between Individuals during the Communication Process

The distance between individuals can indicate the nature and quality of communication between them. Numerous studies have been carried out to measure this distance and understand the strength of communication between individuals. These studies found that the distance between a manager and an employee is typically greater than the distance between friends. Furthermore, the distance between a manager and a potential hire is usually shorter than the distance between the manager and an employee they intend to let go.

Treatment methods

We will suggest a set of methods to enhance the communication process, though achieving 100% effectiveness may not be possible.

Determine the Social Context

Numerous elements of the overarching social context influence both the mode of communication and the form and content of messages. Leon lists the most significant contextual factors affecting communication, including social roles, time and place of interaction, form and style of speech, topic of conversation, and situational factors. Many of these aspects of the social context have not been integrated into numerous communication models.

Understand the Various Forms and Ways of Delivering the Message

The sender and the recipient should understand the significance of language, tone of voice, and body language in interpersonal communication, and how these elements can collectively convey the message effectively and with the intended meaning.

Knowledge of the Social and Cultural Roots of the Sender and the Addressee

An individual engaged in the communication process should understand the social and cultural backgrounds of the participants. They should hone their communication skills, be clear about the ideas they want to convey, and be adept at analyzing those ideas. They must also be mindful of the language used when interacting with individuals or groups and practice presenting their thoughts to an audience, facilitating discussions on the ideas they aim to introduce or have already presented.

7C's of Communication

1. Clear: Convey the message in an easy-to-understand manner by using simple, short sentences while speaking or writing.
2. Concise: Phrases are concise and to the point without using too many filler words.
3. Concrete: Messages must be clear and supported by facts.
4. Correct: Ensure all facts and figures are accurate with no grammatical errors.
5. Consideration: The sender must take into account the audience's requirements and viewpoints while formulating the message.
6. Complete: A complete message that delivers all the information to the addressee in a clear and detailed manner.
7. Courteous: The sender is always polite, friendly and honest, and has good listening skills.

To be continued …

References:

Lieberman, M. D. (2013).?Social: Why our brains are wired to connect. OUP Oxford.