Media PR Unit Manager of Üsküdar University Corporate Communications Department, Communication Specialist Şaban Özdemir, met with educators in an online interview organized by Manisa Metropolitan Municipality Education Centers (MABEM). Speaking under the title “The Power of Communication: Stage Energy” and drawing attention to the basic elements of effective communication, Özdemir emphasized that body language, tone of voice, and listening skills are decisive in communication. Özdemir also made important assessments for the development of communication skills. In the meeting, where the effects of diction, body language, listening, and digitalization on communication were also discussed, Özdemir noted that, parallel to developments in artificial intelligence and technology, humans will continue to be at the center of communication.
Psychological Counseling and Guidance Specialist Ece Tözeniş Ayaz moderated the online event.
“Body language, tone of voice, and gestures constitute a large part of communication”
Drawing attention to the decisive role of body language and voice in communication, Communication Specialist Şaban Özdemir said; “In communication, we often attach more meaning to words than necessary, but research shows that a large part of communication consists of body language, tone of voice, and gestures. In other words, how we say something is as important as what we say. When you express the same sentence with a different tone, with a different gesture, a completely different meaning can emerge. Therefore, a person who wants to communicate effectively not only needs to develop their vocabulary but also needs to pay attention to their posture, gaze, the rhythm of their voice, and emphasis.”
“The path to being a good speaker is through being a good listener”
Emphasizing listening skills, Özdemir stated that one of the biggest shortcomings in communication is not listening. Özdemir said; “Today, people listen not to understand the other person, but to respond. However, real communication begins when we truly try to understand the other person. Listening is not a passive process; on the contrary, it is an active skill that requires attention, patience, and empathy. Being able to give the other person the feeling of ‘I understand you’ is one of the most powerful steps in communication. Therefore, the path to being a good speaker is primarily through being a good listener.”
“Young people are now accustomed to more rapidly consumed content”
Stating that digitalization transforms communication habits, Özdemir said; “With digitalization, the language of communication has also changed. Young people are now accustomed to more rapidly consumed content, and this situation also affects their communication styles. Short videos, accelerated content, and visually-heavy communication are transforming the way they think and express themselves. Therefore, to establish healthy communication with young people, it is necessary to understand their world, discover their interests, and communicate through common ground. Trying to understand them instead of criticizing them is one of the most important steps that strengthens communication.”
“Effective speaking is a developable skill”
Stating that speaking skill is a developable talent, Özdemir talked about diction exercises. Özdemir said; “Although effective speaking is perceived as an innate talent, it is actually a developable skill. Along with having a good ear, regular exercises, breathing practices, articulation practices, and analyses made with voice recordings are the most important parts of this process. Especially when expressions we call filler sounds like ‘uh, um, you know, I mean’ are noticed and reduced, speech becomes much more fluent and effective. As a person listens to their own voice, they notice their mistakes and gradually begin to communicate more consciously.”
“What's important is not to suppress fear, but to manage the emotion”
Referring to stage fright and anxiety, Özdemir stated that this emotion can turn into an advantage when managed correctly. Özdemir said; “Stage fright is actually a natural emotion that everyone experiences. What’s important is not to suppress this emotion, but to manage it correctly. When anxiety and fear are used correctly, they make a person more careful and prepared. However, the desire to be perfect can sometimes make communication difficult. People accept the sincere and natural more easily than the flawless. That’s why one of the most important elements in communication is to maintain naturalness.”
“Human will continue to be at the center of communication”
Answering questions from participants, Özdemir drew attention to the effects of artificial intelligence on communication. Özdemir said; “Artificial intelligence significantly speeds up and simplifies communication processes today. However, communication is not just about transferring information; it also carries emotion and meaning. Artificial intelligence can present you with what to say, but it is the human who will add meaning and emotion to those words. Elements such as eye contact, sincerity, empathy, and establishing emotional connection are still among humanity's strongest aspects. Therefore, no matter how much technology develops, humans will continue to be at the center of communication.”