In our everyday lives, whether in personal relationships or professional environments, the ability to communicate effectively is crucial. It’s not just about the words we use, but how we convey our message through body language, tone, thoughts, and emotions. The way we communicate can make or break relationships, influence the outcomes of negotiations, and create lasting impressions. Yet, many of us aren’t fully aware of the impact our communication style has on those around us.
This article explores the importance of effective communication by breaking it down into five essential “planes,” each contributing a unique percentage to the overall communication process. Understanding these planes helps you unlock the full potential of your interactions, leading to more fulfilling personal and professional experiences.
The Importance of Effective Communication
Research has shown that the majority of communication is non-verbal, meaning that how we speak is often more important than the words we choose. Effective communication is not just about transmitting information—it’s about creating understanding, trust, and emotional connection. When we communicate effectively, we increase our chances of success in negotiations, deepen our relationships, and create a more harmonious environment.
Here’s a breakdown of how communication functions in real life, based on the five planes model:
The Five Planes of Communication
- Thoughts (Energy and Experiences) – 100%
Our thoughts form the foundation of how we communicate. They shape our beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions, ultimately influencing every interaction we have. Positive and constructive thoughts not only improve your internal state but also enhance the energy you bring into conversations. When your thoughts are clear and aligned with your message, you create a powerful impact on your audience. - Body Language (Ego and Faith) – 55%
Body language plays a significant role in how we communicate, making up 55% of our overall message. It reflects our underlying emotions, confidence, and sense of self. Think about a time when someone’s body language told you more about how they felt than their words ever could—whether they were confident and open or nervous and withdrawn.
Body language is essential for building trust and connection in communication. A person’s gestures, posture, and facial expressions convey their true feelings, which may sometimes contradict their words. By mastering this plane, you can improve your ability to connect with others on a deeper, more authentic level. - Tonality (Attitude and Beliefs) – 38%
The tone of your voice—the way you say something—is the third most powerful element of communication. Whether it’s a friendly tone, a commanding voice, or a hesitant pitch, the emotional tone you use can completely alter the meaning of the words you speak.
A warm tone can help build rapport, while a harsh tone can create distance. By becoming aware of your tone and adjusting it to match your message, you can greatly enhance how others perceive and respond to you. - Words (Sympathy and Love) – 7%
Surprisingly, only 7% of communication is based on the actual words we use. While words are important, they are often secondary to thoughts, body language, and tone in determining how a message is received. The emotional resonance of our words is what really connects us with others.
Choosing words that reflect kindness, empathy, and understanding will create a deeper connection with your audience and help build stronger relationships. - Interconnectedness (Balance and Peace) – The Glue
The fifth plane, often less discussed, is the harmony of all the other planes. When your thoughts, body language, tone, and words align, they form a powerful synergy that creates clarity and balance in communication. This balance fosters trust, mutual understanding, and a sense of peace in all your interactions.
It is through this interconnectedness that we experience true effective communication. When all planes work together, you create meaningful interactions that leave a lasting impact.
Introducing the “Clarity to Communication – As Above, So Below” Module
The Clarity to Communication – As Above, So Below module teaches you how to master these five planes of communication, taking a holistic approach to improving your interactions. By aligning your internal state (thoughts, beliefs, and emotions) with your external expressions (body language, tone, and words), you can unlock more powerful and authentic ways of connecting with others.
This coaching module provides practical exercises and reflection points to help you understand how each plane of communication works in your life. Through this module, you’ll gain insight into how your thoughts and beliefs influence the way you communicate and how you can shift your mindset for better outcomes.
If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to email me at me@benniekeen.co.za for the full Introduction Document, which provides a deeper dive into the module and what to expect.
The Benefits of Mastering Effective Communication
Mastering communication offers a range of benefits that can enhance both your personal and professional life. Some key outcomes include:
- Building Stronger Relationships: When you communicate more clearly and authentically, you develop deeper, more meaningful connections with others.
- Increased Influence and Leadership: As you refine your body language, tone, and verbal skills, you’ll find it easier to lead and inspire others, whether in the workplace or personal settings.
- Enhanced Emotional Intelligence: By becoming more aware of your thoughts and emotions and how they influence your communication, you’ll improve your ability to empathize with and respond to others.
- Greater Success in Negotiations: Effective communication helps you to articulate your needs clearly while understanding the perspective of others, leading to more favorable outcomes in negotiations.
- Improved Confidence: As you gain control over how you express yourself, your confidence will grow, enabling you to handle difficult conversations or public speaking with ease.
- More Harmonious Interactions: When all elements of your communication are in balance, your conversations flow more smoothly, resulting in fewer misunderstandings and conflicts.
Conclusion
Communication is an art that, when mastered, can transform the way you interact with the world. By focusing not just on the words you use, but on the deeper elements of thoughts, body language, and tone, you can elevate your communication to a new level of clarity and connection.
If you’re ready to enhance your communication skills and unlock greater success in all areas of your life, the Clarity to Communication – As Above, So Below module is the perfect place to start. Reach out to me at me@benniekeen.co.za for more information or to receive the full Introduction Document. Let’s take your communication to the next level!