Communication skills

Jambo! Let's Talk Communication: Your Superpower!

Habari ya leo, my fellow student! Have you ever tried to explain something to a friend, maybe about a tough football match or the latest music hit, only to have them understand the complete opposite? Or have you ever sent a text that was meant to be funny, but the other person got offended? Don't worry, it happens to all of us! These are small communication breakdowns. Think of communication not just as a topic in your textbook, but as a real-life superpower. Mastering it will help you ace your oral exams, build strong friendships, and even convince your parents to extend your curfew! In Kenya, from the bustling markets of Gikomba to the quiet lecture halls, good communication is the key that unlocks doors. So, are you ready to unlock your power? Let's begin!

What is Communication, Really? The Mandazi Example

At its core, communication is the process of sharing information, ideas, and feelings between a sender and a receiver. It's a two-way street, not a one-way lecture! For communication to be successful, the message must be understood as intended. Let's break it down with a simple, everyday Kenyan scenario.

Imagine you are at the local school kiosk during break time. You want to buy some mandazi.

• Sender: You, the hungry student.
• Message: The idea in your head is "I want two mandazi." You say, "Mama Boi, nipe mandazi mbili, tafadhali."
• Channel: The air through which your spoken words travel.
• Receiver: Mama Boi, the kiosk owner.
• Feedback: She hears you, nods, and gives you two warm mandazi. You pay, and she gives you a smile. Mission accomplished!

See? You use these components every single day without even thinking about it. Understanding them helps us figure out where things go wrong when a message gets lost.

The Communication Process: A Simple Flowchart

To make it even clearer, let's look at the communication process like a simple flowchart. It's the journey a message takes from your brain to your friend's brain.

    +-----------------+      +-----------------+      +-----------------+
    |   SENDER        |      |   MESSAGE       |      |   RECEIVER      |
    | (Has an idea)   |----->| (Encoded)       |----->| (Decodes message)|
    +-----------------+      +-----------------+      +-----------------+
            ^                        |                        |
            |                        | (Through a CHANNEL)    |
            |                        |                        v
            |                  +--------------------------------+
            |                  |   FEEDBACK                     |
            |                  | (Receiver's response)          |
            +------------------|--------------------------------+

The Main Types of Communication

We communicate in more ways than just talking. Let's explore the main types you'll encounter everywhere from Nairobi CBD to your village shags.

• Verbal Communication: This is using words, either spoken or written. It’s the debate club presentation, the WhatsApp message to your study group, or listening to a sermon in church. Your tone of voice is crucial here! Saying "Fine" in a cheerful tone is very different from saying it in an angry tone.
• Non-Verbal Communication: This is the language of your body! It includes your facial expressions, gestures, and posture. It's often more powerful than words.

  A matatu conductor doesn't need to shout "Room for one more!" He just uses a specific hand signal. Your mother can give you a look from across the room that tells you to behave immediately. That is powerful non-verbal communication!

• Written Communication: This involves any form of written text. From the formal composition (insha) you write in a Kiswahili exam to a simple shopping list for the market. In today's world, writing professional emails and clear reports is a vital skill for any career.
• Visual Communication: As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. This includes logos (like the M-Pesa or Safaricom logos), traffic signs, charts in your geography textbook, and even emojis on your phone! They convey information quickly and effectively.

Communication Barriers: The 'Network is Down' Moments

Sometimes, our communication fails. These failures are caused by 'barriers'. Think of them as static or a bad network connection that scrambles your message. Here are a few common ones:

• Physical Barriers: Loud noise from a nearby construction site, a poor phone connection, or even sitting too far apart in a large hall.
• Language Barriers: Using complicated jargon or slang (like deep Sheng) that the other person doesn't understand.
• Psychological Barriers: This is about what's happening in your head. If you are angry, sad, or too shy, you might not be able to listen properly or express yourself clearly.
• Cultural Barriers: A gesture that is perfectly normal in your culture might be offensive in another. It's important to be aware of these differences, especially in a diverse country like Kenya.

Let's quantify how these barriers can destroy a message's clarity.

### Formula for Communication Breakdown ###

Imagine you want to explain a homework assignment to a friend.
Your intended message clarity starts at 100%.

Initial Message Clarity:             100%
- Barrier 1: Loud music playing (-30%)
- Barrier 2: Your friend is distracted by their phone (-40%)
- Barrier 3: You use a technical term they don't know (-15%)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Final Message Clarity Received:      15%

Result: Your friend will probably do the wrong assignment!

How to Become a Communication Champion: Master Active Listening

The single most important skill to break through these barriers is Active Listening. It’s not just hearing sounds; it’s about understanding the complete message being sent. It shows the speaker that you are truly engaged.

Here are the key steps to becoming an active listener:

• Pay Full Attention: Look at the speaker. Put your phone down. Show them you are present. In our culture, showing respect while someone is talking is a big deal!
• Show You Are Listening: Use non-verbal cues. Nod your head, smile, and use small verbal comments like "I see," "Mmmh," or "Go on."
• Ask Questions: If you are unsure about something, ask for clarification. "So, if I understand correctly, you are saying that...?" This prevents misunderstanding.
• Don't Interrupt: Let the person finish their thought before you jump in. It’s a sign of respect.
• Respond Appropriately: Summarize what you heard and then share your own views respectfully. "It sounds like you had a very tough day. What I think about the situation is..."

Communication is a skill, just like playing football or learning an instrument. The more you practice, the better you will get. By understanding the process, being aware of the barriers, and practicing active listening, you are well on your way to mastering this superpower. Now go on and be a great communicator! Tuko Pamoja!