Body Language

Eye contact, posture and facial expressions are all part of how our bodies communicate without words. These skills, which we begin to learn from birth, enable us to interpret other people's motives, intentions and meanings. So much of this powerful communication occurs on a subconscious level that we tend to take body language cues for granted, attributing them to a "gut feeling" or intuition. According to the book "Understanding Body Language" by Geoff Ribbens and Richard Thompson, 50 percent of the messages we communicate face to face are through posture and gesture. Speaking without body language is like writing without punctuation: The words lack their implied meaning.

The Spoken Word

From the radio disc jockey we hear on the clock radio in the morning to the person we say goodnight to before we go to sleep, oral communication is a large part of our daily life. According to "Oral Communication" by Dr. Jaime Gutierrez-Ang, some obstacles that we face with this communication method are self-image, perception toward others and noise. To communicate effectively, try not to let your thoughts and feelings about yourself or others interfere. Your spoken communications should be accurate, informative, relevant and organized. Avoid using ambiguous words, and learn the correct pronunciation for any words you may use. Even in the most well-rehearsed and researched speech, a mispronounced word can make you seem less than credible.

Written Communication

Whether writing a formal business letter or an email to an old friend, written communication can help us convey a message or sentiment without speech or a common physical location. When writing business communication, grammar and tone are crucial. An incorrectly placed punctuation mark can change the meaning of a sentence, so be sure your writing reflects your intent. You also must strike a balance between politeness and clarity. Getting quickly to the point shows that you value your colleague's time, but you may bend that philosophy with a few polite sentences when asking for a favor. With friendly communication, grammar becomes less important, but you should still proofread to ensure the proper tone is conveyed. Before sending your letter, ask yourself if the message could possibly be misinterpreted. If so, revise or add a sentence to clarify your meaning.