Definition: Communication is defined as the transference of information (sound, message, meaning, or a signal) from one person to another or from one source to another. Communication can be enhanced by using specially learned techniques. These techniques are used by doctors, teachers and psychologists and have been shown to be effective. This article discusses the meanings of some of the common interventional techniques.
The first term we must know, if we are going to communicate effectively is transference. Transference is defined as the passing-on or displacing of an emotion from one person to another. Let me demonstrate this with the use of a simple everyday situation. If I have had a good relationship with my mother (positive affect) I am very likely to treat most women of my mothers’ age similarly. The word similarly does not mean identically. Most of this phenomenon occurs at a sub-conscious level therefore our ability to use this insight is limited but can be heightened by us being more aware of ourselves and of the existence of transference.
Countertransference (in psychoanalysis it is the analyst’s displacement of affect) however, in the real world we all have emotions towards all situation. Countertransference is how the other person views you as an individual. If he has been brought up to believe that all men with beards are evil, and you happen to be a man with a beard he is going to perceive you as evil. At a subconscious level we have emotions toward every thing and situation. We can optimize our outcomes if we know our likes and dislikes. Once you know that you have these likes and dislikes it may be possible to desensitize yourself to that type of situation or seek counseling. Psychotherapy has made a lot of advances and is relatively cheap these days.
Sympathy is defined as a sense of compassion and understanding which allows one to understand the feelings and justification of actions of others. Empathy, on the other hand, is cognitive awareness and understanding of the emotions and feelings of anther person. Note that the main difference is in the term’s primary connotation of an intellectual or conceptual grasping of the affect of another. In everyday situations both of these situations are used extensively. Application: If you are sympathetic toward another person, the chances are that the other person will be sympathetic toward you. So he will reciprocate your communication. If you start off a communication politely, the most likely response is there will be a polite response. In everyday situations you are not at war, you do not have blast the other party for fear of them blasting you.
By using polite and diplomatic communication skills you are more likely to achieve what you want. Remember, if you can be rude and abrasive so can the other party.
Manipulate means to articulate. Manipulative behavior is when one articulates a situation to suit himself. We all display a certain amount of manipulative behavior for example we call in sick when we are really “just tired of work”. This type of manipulation is generally acceptable. Pathological manipulation is when one manipulates other members of society beyond established boundaries. An example of pathological manipulation would be lying to the significant other about the existence of a marital relationship. Sometimes, when people get caught they generate another lie to cover up the first one. This is not a good strategy. It is better to own up to the lie, apologize for it and grow to be a better person. It becomes a win win situation.
Ventilation is said to occur when one talks about something without meaning to act upon it. It is a useful tool to calm other people down. As a psychiatric nurse I used this tool very effectively to calm many patients. In this type of situation you simply let the other person talk. Eventually, they will realize that their complaint has been heard and will be will more reasonable and cooperative. This has personal applications too, if you are angry you can say to the other party that you are angry abut the situation and that you will be alright. Remember, when one party is angry, it is a difficult situation for the other person.
Reinforcement may be defined as, “to shore up something” or to strengthen something. This term is used most often in behavioral sciences and is early childhood education. In the applied sense it means that you “shore up” an existing behavior. For example, if your child has done an academic exercise really well, you reinforce that behavior by praising it and maybe even by buying him a gift. Never, reinforce behaviors which are unacceptable. Reinforcement is of two types. Positive reinforcement is when a positive / acceptable behavior is recognized or rewarded. Negative reinforcement is when a negative behavior is reinforced
Another proven strategy, to draw attention is to exaggerate it or to minimise it. For eg. you could say that the care was wide as the road. This is a subjective and therfore what you have is not a lie as it your perception of the size of the car.
Many people use exaggeration to draw attention to their area of interest.