Effective Communication Essay

Effective CommunicationCJA/304 Interpersonal Communications October 29, 2012 Albert Mendoza Effective CommunicationCommunication is an important necessity that is use on a daily basis whether it is at work, school or home, etc. It would be difficult to understand one another without the use of effective communication. This paper will cover the process of verbal and nonverbal communication while describing the component of each. Secondly, the difference between listening and hearing in communication. Thirdly, describing formal and informal channels of communication. Further, the different barriers of effective communication in criminal justice organizations. Lastly, strategies that may be implemented to overcome communication barriers in the criminal justice organizations.
Verbal and nonverbal
The process of verbal communication begins in an infant who cannot speak. The infant will cry, moan or whine whenever it is hungry, sleepy or need of a diaper change. These are formed of verbal communication by letting the parent know it wants something. The process then forms into word speaking because later in life it will start using sentences to communicate with an adult. Components for verbal communication are language, sounds, conversations and speech. All of these verbal components are vital when communicating. The components of nonverbal communication are gestures, touching, physical appearance, facial expression, proxemics, chronemics and paralinguistics. Proxemics measures the distance between people when they interact. Chronemics studies time and paralinguistics studies pitch, volume, speed and pauses during conversations.
Listening and hearing The difference between listening and hearing do not have the same meaning. In the communication process, hearing is first and listening is second. Hearing lets you pick up sounds and transmitted to the brain. The second process in communication is listening and being successful you need to be an active participant. To be an active listener, you must evaluate the message first before you respond. Therefore, the active listener must be in the thinking mood while the speaker is talking. “A person thought speed is much faster than his or her speaking speed, the lag between the two processes can result in daydreaming” (Wallace & Roberson, 2009, p. Chapter 4). In other words, the listener needs to stay active to avoid this hazard (daydreaming).
Formal and informal
In any police organization method of communication follows a command. This type of communication method is by formal orders, directives and written memorandums. These forms provide order and security to police organization. Formal channel of communication is strict on time and personnel consuming effort. First, formal communication ensures all the officers receive the same information within the department. When officers are on patrol, it is more critical passing the information when only certain crimes are needed to be pass. Second, formal communication is more clearly than informal communication, so the purpose or the content of the message would be less confusing. “Finally, formal communication establishes a paper trail for purposes of court hearings” (Wallace & Roberson, 2009, p. Chapter 2). Court hearing and testimony with law enforcement is critical when there is a need of communication. Informal channel of communication does more than gossip they provide a link within the organization. One of the main informal communication is interacting between detectives and patrol officers. Sometimes detectives will approach patrol officers to clarify their initial reports. When time is critical, it is different how formal and informal channel of communication communicates with the officer. With formal channel of communication, information needs to go by the chain of command and then step down. For

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