Communication Competences

Communication competences make reference to the set of capabilities that allow a person to transmit, receive and interpret messages in an effective manner in different contexts and situations, both on-site and digital. They involve not only the clear expression of ideas, knowledge and emotions, but also active listening, the understanding of people's messages and the adaptation of the discourse to the recipient's characteristics, necessities and expectations.

These competences include the ability to adjust the style and communicative channel in relation with the context- personal, academic, professional or social - and to use in an adequate manner the different communicative means and tools, from face to face interaction to digital and virtual environments. An effective communication does not limit just to the content of the message, but it integrates verbal, non verbal and paraverbal elements, as well as the conscious use of language and tone.

Communication competences are essential in daily life and in the personal and professional development. Their domain facilitates the establishment of healthy interpersonal relations, collaborative work, and the prevention and constructive resolution of conflicts and the capability of influencing, informing or persuading in a clear and respectful manner. In addition, they contribute to generate confidence, mutual understanding and cooperation in different social environments.

Among the abilities that are part of communication competences it can be found active listening, clear and coherent oral and written expression, the capability to adapt the message to the target audience, the effective use of non verbal language and the adequate management of complex communicative situations, such as disagreements, critiques or difficult conversations.

In the laboral context, communication competences are more and more valued by organizations, since they are found fundamental for teamwork, leaderaship, customer and user service, task coordination and shared making of decisions. Likewise, in a context marked by digitalization, communicative abilities acquire a special relevance in digital environments, necessary for interacting in an effective, professional and responsible way through platforms, collaborative tools and social networks.

In set, communication competences constitute a key pillar for human interaction, since they allow to express ideas with clarity, understand others and build relations based on respect, collaboration and mutual understanding.