• Every communication situation is unique.
• Face to face communication is the best and most effective form of communication.
• Feedback is the key to successful communication.
• Noise distorts messages and communication if more people are involved.
• Communication becomes complex when more and more people are involved.
• Every message/communication has an informal and emotional element to it.
• Words are symbols to express thoughts, and thus open to different interpretations.
• Selective perception distorts communication, and distorts messages.
• Without trust, effective communication is impossible.
• Communication with oneself, in order to know oneself is very important.
• One–sided message is not as effective as a two–sided one.

Ten Commandments For Good Listening

• Stop Talking! You cannot listen if you are talking.
• Put the talker at ease. Help him feel that he is free to talk.
• Show him that you want to listen. Show interest.
• Remove distractions. Don’t tap/shuffle papers.
• Empathize with him. Try to put yourself in his place. So that you can see his point of view.
• Be patient.
• Hold your temper.
• Go easy on arguments and criticism.
• Ask questions. This encourages him and shows you are listening.
• Stop talking!

This is the first and last commandment.
“Nature gave us two ears but only one tongue which is a gentle hint that we should listen more than we talk”.