How can communication effectiveness be defined?

Communication effectiveness is best defined as the extent to which someone ensures that the message is understood. This definition emphasizes not only the transmission of information but also the importance of comprehension on the recipient's part. Effective communication goes beyond merely delivering a message; it involves checking for understanding and confirming that the intended message has been received and interpreted correctly. This can include asking questions, providing feedback, and engaging in active listening.

Assessing communication effectiveness using comprehension highlights the interpersonal aspect of communication. It acknowledges that successful communication is a two-way street, requiring both the sender to convey their thoughts clearly and the receiver to engage with that information actively.

In contrast, options that focus solely on aspects like ignoring messages, the clarity of written communication alone, or merely the frequency of exchanges do not encompass the full definition of effective communication, as they fail to consider the recipient's understanding and engagement, which are crucial for meaningful interactions.