Communication competence refers to the ability of a person to communicate effectively and appropriately. The higher the communication competence of the individual, the more various contexts, relationships, and cultures they effortlessly engage with.
The higher communication competence could be defined by higher accuracy, clarity, and understanding of the context.
A key indicator of high or at least average communication competence is the ability of the individual to read the social context. Naturally, such an individual will know what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and why in ways that achieve desired outcomes without offending or confusing others.
Some of the core components of a communication competence are:
- Effectiveness – Achieving the intended outcome of the communication (e.g., informing, persuading, resolving conflict)
- Appropriateness – Matching communication style and behavior to the situation, audience, and cultural norms
- Adaptability – Being able to adjust messages based on feedback or context
- Empathy – Understanding others’ feelings and perspectives
- Clarity – Expressing ideas clearly and understandably
- Listening – Actively paying attention and responding meaningfully