A competent communicator can be defined as one who is able to demonstrate the appropriate communicative behaviour in a given situation and at the same time having the motivation to demonstrate this competence
In order to be classified as a competent communicator in both one-on-one conversations and group interactions, certain skills are required by an individual. A competent communicator will understand the 'rules' associated with communication and will be able to display assertiveness, responsiveness and versatility. It is also important that a competent communicator understands that all these skills combined are important in maintaining relationships as well as effectively communicating with another individual or within a group. Communication is the transfer of meaningful information, which allows us to respond to the things occurring around us and in doing so, allows us to interact with one another. Communicating competently requires effective and socially appropriate communication (Trentholm & Jensen, 1992).
A competent communicator can be defined as one who is able to demonstrate the appropriate communicative behaviour in a given situation and at the same time having the motivation to demonstrate this competence (Spitzberg, & Cupach,1984). In regards to interpersonal communication, there are three elements which will determine whether an individual is classified as a competent communicator. First, an individual must demonstrate assertiveness. This term is used to describe the speaking skill where an individual gives an honest and appropriate opinion on their own views, while respecting the rights of the listener (Trentholm & Jensen, 1992). Secondly, a competent speaker will be able to display versatility, that is, they will be able to be flexible during a conversation. A versatile communicator will be able to get a response from people using different methods. Using closed questions, open questions and silence are all examples of these methods (Putnis & Petelin, 1999). The last element is responsiveness, which involves listening to the message being received and responding in an appropriate manner, such as knowing how to react in that particular environment with non-verbal cues and other communication techniques (Putnis & Petelin, 1999). To communicate competently, it is important that certain goals are set and strategies to meet these goals are established (Putnis & Petelin, 1999).
During one on one conversation, both individuals involved have to listen and respond to each other in an appropriate way, appropriate in the context of that particular conversation. As mentioned earlier, the three elements of interpersonal communication will obviously come into play during a conversation between two individuals. But in order for this conversation to be deemed effective, a competent communicator will use these three elements at the right time and in response to the right situation. It is important for a competent communicator to respect the views of the other person while still expressing their point of ...
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During one on one conversation, both individuals involved have to listen and respond to each other in an appropriate way, appropriate in the context of that particular conversation. As mentioned earlier, the three elements of interpersonal communication will obviously come into play during a conversation between two individuals. But in order for this conversation to be deemed effective, a competent communicator will use these three elements at the right time and in response to the right situation. It is important for a competent communicator to respect the views of the other person while still expressing their point of view, which again relates back to assertiveness. A competent communicator will also be able to perform these skills without displaying any aggression during the conversation. In a situation where a competent communicator is listening to another person speak, they will also show certain listening behaviours. It is important that they will know which emotion to show during a conversation and they will not find themselves daydreaming or being distracted for example. During one on one conversation, non verbal cues expressed by the other person also play a large part in how we interpret what they are trying to communicate (Trentholm & Jensen, 1992). Body movement, facial expression, paralinguistics (vocal behaviour) and physical contact distances are all examples of non-verbal communication. A competent communicator shows an understanding of the use of non-verbal cues as well as inter-relating the other skills of communication during interactions with other individuals. Although these skills have been discussed in regards to one on one conversation, it must be understood that these skills also apply to group interactions between competent communicators. The 'rules' alter slightly in group interactions because of the difference in the number of individuals participating in the conversation.
A group can be defined as a number of people who share certain characteristics, have a specific goal, interact with each other and who accept themselves to be a part of a group (Joann Keyton, 2005). During group interactions, the skills mentioned above for one on one conversation applies although during group interactions there are more complex communication skills required. (Mohan, T., McGregor, H., Suanders, S., & Archee, R, 2004). Within a group there is usually a set of rules that are established between members stating what is acceptable and what is not acceptable behaviour. These 'rules' allow for the group to be more efficient in reaching their goals and allowing for all members to discuss an opinion without the pressure of feeling like the must agree with the rest of the group. (Mohan et al., 2004). It is important that these rules are discussed within the group in order to avoid conflict because rules were not openly discussed. When we speak about the 'rules' in group communication, we refer to obvious things such as not interrupting someone while they speak or remaining assertive without demonstrating any aggression. Communication competency is established in a group via motivation by other members, commitment, and the demonstration of assertiveness, versatility and responsiveness. A competent communicator will understand that conflict, in relation to the goal, is productive and if members of the group are able to discuss these conflicts competently, then group goals will be more likely to be achieved (Anderson & Ross, 1998). Competent communicators within a group will also be able to compromise through discussing and readjusting their opinion in order for an overall group decision to be made (Keyton, 2005). In saying this, group communication clearly demonstrates that there are many complex factors involved in becoming a competent communicator and in order to be regarded as a competent communicator, an individual must acquire the many skills mentioned earlier.
It is clear that there are many different skills required in order to be a competent communicator in both one on one and group interactions. A competent communicator in both these situations will be able to utilize these skills effectively at the appropriate time, and in doing so, will also effectively translate their opinions and views in a meaningful and assertive manner to their listeners. A competent communicator will also be able to retrieve the meaning of what someone is saying through both non verbal cues and other communicative skills and react to this response appropriately.
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REFERENCES
Anderson, R., & Ross, V. (1998). Questions of communication: A practical introduction to theory (2nd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press.
Joann Keyton (2005). Communicating in Groups: Building Relationships for Group Effectiveness. USA, Oxford University Press.
Mohan, T., McGregor, H., Suanders, S., & Archee, R. (2004). Communicating in groups to achieve professional goals. Communicating as professionals (pp 168-197). Melbourne: Thomson.
Putnis, P & Petelin, R. (1999). Professional Communication: Principles and Applications (2nd ed.) Sydney: Prentice-Hall.
Spitzberg, B. H., & Cupach, W. R. (1984). Interpersonal communication competence. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage
Stone, D., Patton, B., Heen, S., Fisher, R. (1999). Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most. New York: Penguin Group.
Trenholm,S. & A. Jensen. (1992) Interpersonal Communication. Belmont,
California: Wadsworth Publishing Company.
