Through school, work experience, and social life, communications skills are emphasized, taught, and learned. We talk; we listen; we write; we gesture. Whether spoken or not, communication is made. Simply put, communication is everywhere.
While we communicate on a daily basis, much is said about professionalism. With that in mind, what is 'professional communication'? Oftentimes, professional communication is said to be conveyed by speaking in standard, non-slang, non-obscene language (verbal/written) and "dressing for success" (nonverbal). Allegedly, by following these principles, we are professionally communicating.
Likewise, what is 'effective communication'? Oftentimes, effective communication is said to be providing accurate words to express a message. If people say what they mean to say, then it must be effective.
To some degree, these statements about professional communication and effective communication are true. Professional communication is respectful while effective communication gets messages across from one party to another. However, defining professional communication and effective communication solely by these statements is shortsighted.
Simply speaking in standard, non-slang, non-obscene language does not make communication professional. For example, I am certain that we have all, at some point, received an email that was written in a disrespectful, condescending manner. Sure, the message contained complete sentences, but these complete sentences basically conveyed the concept that we, as the readers, are stupid. Whether tutorial or disciplinary in nature, respect was lacking.
Similarly, "dressing for success" is a good concept, but there are other important nonverbal cues that reflect professionalism. Professionals make eye contact, acknowledge others, and seek to provide neutral and/or positive gestures. Talking under one's breath and giving colleagues dirty looks does not convey professional communication. In fact, such negative behavior causes others to question a colleague's professionalism.
Meanwhile, effective communication relies on more than just one person's interpretation. Rather, multiple people need to be able to understand the message at hand. Going back to the email example, a person can write an email and send it to colleagues or subordinates. While the message may be clear in the writer's mind, the readers may receive the same message and say 'huh?/what?' When the readers do not understand an email message, the next one comes through with random capital letters, bold, italics, underlining, and highlighting. Again, the message may be loud and clear from the writer's perspective, but the recipients again may say, 'what does this email say?' Or worse, 'what is it with these emails?' Instead of getting an objective message across, readers are left to feel stupid--this is both unprofessional and ineffective communication.
When reviewing past, present, and future communication, it is important to consider the professionalism and effectiveness of the communication. Communication is a two-way street (or more), meaning it is not just about one person. As Stephen Covey said, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." The best communicators do just that--they seek to understand their peers in order to communicate effectively. Professional communicators take this a step further as they seek to effectively communicate in respect to professional standards and individual personalities.
If people do not seem to be understanding a message, it may be hasty to discredit them. Not understanding something or making a mistake contradictory to a previously delivered message does not make a person stupid. What is clear to one person may be absolutely confusing to another person. Before placing all blame on message recipients for not understanding a message, it is critical that we, as professional and effective communicators, evaluate our messages and our means of communicating these messages. This means internally reviewing communications and also seeking feedback from others. Professional communication and effective communication are 'professional' and 'effective', not 'perfect'. When a message is misunderstood, perhaps the message itself, or the way it is being delivered, can be refined. Remember, that which sounds like gibberish--whether it is gibberish or not--will be treated like gibberish. Likewise, that which looks or sounds offensive--whether it is intended to be offensive or not--will be treated as being offensive. In the end, communication--whether professional or unprofessional or effective or ineffective--is powerful stuff.