Communication cycle
The cycle of communication is the transmission process of contents from sender to receiver. Some people assume that this is a spontaneous, unidirectional flow. It is a mutual exchange. Fruitful communication begins already much earlier and does not end with the execution, but only after the goal to inform is achieved. The cycle repeatedly turns until the desired result is available
The communication cycle consists of four phases: preparation, communication, feedback, and optimization.
- Preparation
In the preparation, contents are arranged with as few generalizations, distortions, or deletions as possible. Contradictions and undesired interpretations are that way limited to a minimum. The sender's occupation with its message in prepared texts or graphical sketches strengthens its understanding. At the same time, the message is adapted to the perspectives of the specific target group. This creates room for spontaneous expressions without risking the actual message.
- Communication
The actual transmission is executed by utilizing talks, discussions, and publications on paper or virtually on the Internet. Dependent on media and audience, the statements and editing can vary. In any case, the KISS principle (Keep it short & simple) and the 7plusminus2-Regel (i.e., to limit oneself to five to nine aspects) improve the message's desired effect.
- Feedback
Almost every message produces prompt feedback. The receivers state their opinions through facial expressions and gesturing, applause or sigh, and their messages. Feedback is the chance to recognize at an early stage the effect and flaws of their communication. The response only becomes negative if it is missing or ignored. For this reason, you should always request feedback.
- Optimization
Shortcomings become visible based on the responses. These can be odd formulations, the insufficient attention of the target group, or wrong assumptions. These are mistakes that should be fixed during the preparation. In this step, the weaknesses will be corrected until the goals are reached.