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carefully thought out in terms of both content and quantity. Leaders
should decide what particular pieces of information people really need to
know, and then state that information simply and clearly in an open and
straightforward way.

In addition, the goal of mutual understanding between sender and receiver
should be achieved by using whatever means of communication necessary.
An effective communicator also knows what communication modes and
skills to use to help those receiving the message understand it more clearly.

The competence of communication includes knowing what means or
modes or skills to use, how they have been used in similar situations in the
past, and being able to determine which means of communication have the
highest probability of success in a given situation. Competence is all about
appropriateness and effectiveness leading up to achieving the objectives of
the conversation for both the communicator and the other parties involved.

An effective communicator must work hard to master all of the various
means of communication in order to be fully competent. This includes the
ability to speak clearly in ordinary conversations so that one’s point is
gotten across. It also involves public speaking and the ability to persuade
an audience with respect to desired outcomes. Body language and

nonverbal cues are an additional component of effective communication.
In this age of Twitter, texting, and emails, the value of the written word has
become all the more important to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Most people in general and leaders in particular find that verbal

communication is critical to their life and work. Studies about how much
time is spent communicating in organizations have reveal that about 70
percent of the working hours involve some kind of verbal communication.
On average, this time breaks down as follows:

• Writing -- 9%
• Reading -- 16%
• Speaking -- 30%
• Listening -- 45%

When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. Ernest
Hemingway.

David Kolzow 101