1.4: Communication Competence

Learning Objectives

• Define communication competence.
• Explain each part of the definition of communication competence.
• Discuss strategies for developing communication competence.
• Discuss communication apprehension and consider strategies to manage it.

Defining Competence

Communication competence is knowing how to communicate effectively and appropriately, and being able to apply that knowledge in different situations (Cooley & Roach, 1984). It involves three key components: knowledge, skill, and adaptability. Knowledge refers to understanding what effective communication looks like and why it works, which can be learned through observation or instruction. Skill is the ability to put that knowledge into practice, though factors like age, mood, stress, or anxiety can affect performance. Adaptability means adjusting communication based on the situation, as what’s considered competent can vary across cultures, relationships, and power dynamics. For example, a non-native speaker may be seen as highly competent in one setting but unfairly judged in another.

The National Communication Association outlines key skills for competence, especially in speaking and listening. These include:

1. State ideas clearly.
2. Communicate ethically.
3. Recognize when it is appropriate to communicate.
4. Identify their communication goals.
5. Select the most appropriate and effective medium for communicating.
6. Demonstrate credibility.
7. Identify and manage misunderstandings.
8. Manage conflict.
9. Be open-minded about another’s point of view.
10. Listen attentively.

These competencies can provide you with a concrete way to assess your own speaking competencies and to prepare yourself for professional speaking and listening, which is often skill driven.

Image 1.4.1 Fitting Together the Pieces

Developing Competence

Developing communication competence starts with understanding what it is. Everyone already has some communication experience, but competence involves more than just knowing how to talk. It includes knowledge, motivation, and skill—knowing what works, wanting to improve, and being able to do it. We learn communication both through direct instruction (like learning a language) and through experience (like reading body language).

We all have strengths and weaknesses in how we communicate. Improving takes effort, and people move through different stages of competence:

• Unconscious incompetence (you don’t know what you’re doing wrong),
• Conscious incompetence (you realize what needs work),
• Conscious competence (you’re doing well but still have to focus),
• Unconscious competence (good communication becomes natural).

Progress isn’t always steady—you may switch stages depending on the situation or person. Even communication experts aren’t perfect. Being aware of when you slip up and reflecting on it is a key part of growth. If you’re doing that, you’re already ahead.

A major step toward competence is becoming a mindful communicator—someone who pays attention, adapts to different situations, and considers other perspectives. Mindful communication helps avoid misunderstandings, manage conflict, and reach goals. For example, asking someone to repeat your instructions shows awareness that messages can be misunderstood. On the other hand, ignoring a partner during conflict or being passive-aggressive shows a lack of mindfulness, even if we know better. We all slip sometimes, but becoming more aware and intentional is how we improve.

Overcoming Anxiety

Communication apprehension (CA) is the fear or anxiety about communicating with others, and it’s very common among college students. About 15-20% have high anxiety, and 70% experience some level of it. CA isn’t just about public speaking—it can happen in many situations. CA causes physical and mental stress before or during a presentation. Research shows that methods like gradual exposure, changing negative thoughts, and skills training can help reduce this anxiety. Communication classes are important because CA can hurt academic performance and how others view your communication skills—even if you’re well-prepared and knowledgeable. We will cover this, and how to handle it, more as we prepare for your speeches in this class. This is something that we will explore more in Chapter 12 with relationship to our speeches.