Effective communication
Effective communication is clear, complete and two-way. It blends verbal and non-verbal cues, respects cultures, works in groups and turns the classroom into a dialogue.
Verbal and non-verbal channels
| Channel | Includes | Classroom tip |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal: oral | Lecture, discussion, questions | Simple words, short sentences, check understanding |
| Verbal: written | Notes, board work, emails, comments on scripts | Clear structure and correct language |
| Kinesics | Gestures, posture, facial expression | Open posture and natural gestures |
| Oculesics | Eye contact | Sweep the whole class, not one corner |
| Paralanguage | Tone, pitch, pace, volume, pauses | Vary the voice; pause after key points |
| Proxemics | Use of space and distance | Move around the room; do not hide behind the desk |
| Haptics and chronemics | Touch; use of time | Respect boundaries; be punctual |
Hall's proxemic zones
| Zone | Approximate distance | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Intimate | Up to 18 inches (about 45 cm) | Family and close friends |
| Personal | 1.5 to 4 feet | Friends, conversation |
| Social | 4 to 12 feet | Formal and work interaction |
| Public | Beyond 12 feet | Lectures and speeches |
Inter-cultural and group communication
In both, listening well matters as much as speaking well.
Classroom communication
- Ask open questions and give a few seconds of wait time before calling on a student.
- Give feedback that confirms, corrects and encourages.
- Listen actively: attend, paraphrase, respond.
- Flanders' Interaction Analysis has 10 categories: 1-7 teacher talk (1-4 indirect, 5-7 direct), 8-9 student talk, 10 silence or confusion.
- Mehrabian: when words and body conflict while conveying feelings, listeners trust tone and body language more than words.
- A common checklist is the 7 Cs: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, courteous.
NET asks you to name non-verbal channels (kinesics, proxemics, paralanguage), sequence Tuckman's stages, read Mehrabian's 7-38-55 correctly, and pick the most effective classroom behaviour in a scenario.
Typical MCQ: “What is the study of the use of space in communication called?” Proxemics (Edward T. Hall). Kinesics is body movement; paralanguage is tone, pitch and pace.
Typical MCQ: “In Flanders' Interaction Analysis, which category is 'silence or confusion'?” Category 10. Categories 1-7 are teacher talk and 8-9 are student talk.
Tuckman rhymes: form, storm, norm, perform, then adjourn. Mehrabian's 7-38-55 rises from words to tone to body.