Communication
| "Learn to express, not impress." |
| — Jim Rohn |
Webster's dictionary defines communication as "an exchange of ideas
or information.". Sounds pretty simple and straightforward. Yet true
communication is not complete without mutual understanding, which can
be complicated by varying interpretations of human emotions.
Human communication methods are diverse. Most of us assume that communication
occurs mostly by words. However, research has demonstrated that as little
as 5% of our communication occurs by words and the majority (90% or more)
of communication occurs by tone and body language. It is further complicated
by the use of modern communications systems. Consider the communication
technology evolution: tape recorded telephone answering machines, cordless
telephones, electronic messaging, cellular telephones, pagers, broadband,
telecom, and, of course, the Internet. It is an exciting and impressive
technological progression. Yet we are communicating by using only 5% of
our faculties when using modern communication technology.
So how does this relate to Emotional Intelligence? If words communicate
only 5% of meaning, then emotions - responses to tone and body language
- can influence the overall communication process. Increased awareness
of how our emotions impact communications can improve interpretation of
information and understanding. The popular quote, "It's not what
they said, it's what they didn't say," or perhaps "It's how
they said it" lends credence to the relationship between communications
and Emotional Intelligence.
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