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Background material by Professor Omar Hasan Kasule Sr. for the Communication Module FOM KFMC 7th July 2010
1.0 TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATION
1.1 STAGES OF COMMUNICATION
A communication process starts with conceptualization of the ideas to be communicated. The ideas or message are then encoded, put in a transmissible form. The message is then transmitted and is received. The receiver decodes or interprets the message before understanding it and taking action on it. The process is completed by feedback from the recipient to the sender.
1.2 IRREVERSIBILITY OF COMMUNICATION:
Communication is irreversible; every communication has a lasting impact. Think before you communicate. A negative impact can never be fully wiped out by later retraction or correction. A lingering negativity, however small, always persists.
2.0 LINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF COMMUNICATION
2.1 The power of words: Words have power and have been likened to magic or sorcery, inna min al bayaan lasihr[i]. However this power of words can be used hypocritically, al bayaan min al nifaaq[ii].
2.2 Terminology: The terminology used restricts and determines the limits of the thought process. It is therefore necessary to stick to the terminology of the Qur'an in our communication. New terminologies should be developed and understood in the same context.
2.3 Appropriate language: When communicating make sure you use language appropriate to the communication situation. It is not hypocrisy of pretension to communicate to different people in different ways. It is a great mistake to communicate with everybody in the same way forgetting their special background and peculiarities.
2.4 Precise communication: Communication must be precise to be useful. Precision indicates that the mind is active and is dynamic. Precision indicates that the communicator has a definite communication objective. There is no need to use more words than necessary once the defined objective has been conveyed. Verbosity not only wastes time but creates a mistrust for the speaker in the minds of the listeners.
3.0 MODES OF COMMUNICATION
3.1 BELIEVABLE COMMUNICATION: There are approaches than can enable you have believable communication. Own up your positions by not being afraid to stick out your neck and taking a position. Be emotionally honest such that your outward emotions reflect your inner feelings. This however does not mean that you should display aggression when angry. Islam teaches us to control our aggressive instincts. Be focussed in your communication, an indication that you have an objective. Try not to be selfish in your communication by avoiding making your person and your concern the center of all communication. Give others a chance also. Be evidence-oriented and always concentrate on facts and avoid speculative talk. Be respectful towards others and make sure your level of intimacy is appropriate for the person you are communicating with.
3.2 PLEASANT COMMUNICATION:
Communication must be pleasant in order to be absorbed and appreciated. Good and positive words are more effective. A good disposition, friendly greetings, smiling, shaking hands, all help the communication process. The voice should be pleasant and convey warmth and friendliness.
3.3 HUMOROUS COMMUNICATION:
A sense of humor helps communication. You must however know where to draw the line. Too much or inappropriate humor indicates lack of seriousness and is negative. Humor usually involves laughing at human follies better yours or anonymous but not the recipient of your communication. Never laugh at anyone however good the justification. A sense of humor can get you out of a difficult situation. It can disarm an angry person. A person who insults or puts you down can be disarmed by an appropriate joke.
4.0 FACTORS OF SUCCESSFUL COMMUNICATION
4.1 PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL INTERCOURSE:
Your communication style reflects your basic personality. You may learn a lot about improving your communication style. Never try to develop a phoney personality. Be genuine and be yourself. Communication is the basis of social intercourse and the overall functioning of society. A good word is charity. Say good or keep quiet. Avoid bad words. Use polite words even with people who have done wrong to you. Always have a personal touch.
4.2 DEGRADATION OF INFORMATION QUALITY:
Content of communication is degraded as it is passed from one person to another because of the increase of the noise component and the decrease of the information content. Noise refers to those factors that distort the intended message.
4.3 UNDERSTANDING, PERCEPTIONS AND BEHAVIORS:
A receiver of information may benefit more than transmitter: The receiver of a message may understand it at a deeper level and benefit from it than the messenger. Behavior is the result of perception which in turn depends on selection and interpretation of information. The same information can elicit different behaviors in different individuals depending on different perceptions. Background knowledge, attitudes, and environment affect the way the recipient perceives and interprets information.
5.0 BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS:
5.1 The following are common barriers to effective communication: prejudgment before communication, differences between communicators (self-image, status, roles, personality, cognitive ability, physical situation, social status, culture, vocabulary, language), distractions, emotional resistance to being on the receiving end, time constraints, poor listening, poor speech, bad timing, and unsuitable circumstances.
5.2 Other causes of communication failure are: multiple meanings of words, information overlord, verbosity, value judgment, and filtering.
5.3 Prejudgment is one of the most serious causes of failure to communicate. As recipient of communication you must avoid assumptions and pre-judgments. Listen to the data and then judge. Cross-check information to be able to reach right conclusions.
[i] (KS462 Bukhari K76 B51, Abudaud K40 B86, Abudaud K40 B87, Tirmidhi K25 B81, Tirmidhi K41 B82, Muwatta K56 H7, Ahmad 1:269, Ahmad 1:273, Ahmad 1:303, Ahmad 1:309, Ahmad 1:313, Ahmad 1:327, Ahmad 1:332, Ahmad 1:454, Ahmad 2:16, Ahmad 2:59, Ahmad 2:62, Ahmad 2:165, Ahmad 2:187, Ahmad 4:263, Tayalisi H2670)
[ii] (KS462 Ahmad 5:269)