FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BY A SOURCE

FACTORS INFLUENCING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BY A SOURCE

There are four major factors. These are communication skill, knowledge level, socio-cultural context and attitude,

1.     A source must have a good command of the language he chooses to communicate in that is, he must be able to pronounce or write words or segment correctly. If he is communicating orally, he must ' use the appropriate stress pattern. His intonation must be in conformity with the standard one. His reasoning must be every sound and logical, devoid or unnecessary sentiment or emotions. This means that the speech organ of the speaker must function effectively. All voiced sounds must be accompanied by the adequate vibration of the vocal cords, while all the voiceless sounds must be produced with free flow or air.

2.     The source of communication must have a good knowledge of the message he is putting across to the recipient. Success of communication is often influenced by the sources perception and knowledge of the message. This enables the sources to state his message unequivocally and understandably.

3.     Interaction in society is shrouded in the background of set socio-cultural milieu. For this reason, communication can hardly take place in determines to a large extent the disposition of the source towards the message and then towards the message and then towards the receiver or audience.

We have such social context as son/father context; daughter/mother context, student/teacher context, friend/friend context, etc. whatever the context, a good communicator should realize that situation changes in different environments and that regard must be given to age, status, seniority, class distinction etc. He must thus strive to conform to the socio-cultural context in which he is communicating.

4.     Attitude: - This is another important factor in the source that bears on the success or otherwise of communication endeavour. The attitude of the source often measured by his communication behaviour which may be positive or negative Also the source consciously brings his personality to bear on his communication endeavour. His attitude serves as reflection of this personality. There are three levels of attitude serves as reflection of his personality. There are three levels of attitude o the sources.

a.     This is also referred to as self-concept and is very crucial in communicating. The sources must have positive self-concept. This means approaching the communication endeavour with confidence and not inferiority complex.

b.     Though are difficult to hide, the source should try as possible to be neutral or at least positive to the message.

The source must have a positive attitude towards the receiver. For any meaningful communication to take place, the source would need to create an atmosphere conducive for communicating with the receiver. He must know that he can hardly communicate effectively with someone he hates or mistrusts.