DFTikum
The 10 basic laws of communication
The model sums up in 10 points all the questions that the sender has to think through in an act of communication for the communication to achieve its goal.
The concept in brief
The questions, the basic laws of the model, must always be thought through by the party who initiates the act of communication.
The themes set out in the concept follow a fixed order; the questions that arise are best thought through in this order.
To translate the individual points into action, we have to ask the two basic questions for each point: what and how, because some of the points relate to the content of communication and others to its method.
With the help of the model, a speech, a presentation, a consultation, a training session, or even a written text or a simple e-mail can be built up efficiently and effectively.
Through conscious, repeated use of the model over a long period, the themes and questions become embedded in everyday communication at the level of skill.
In detail
1. The law of projection
Communication cannot be efficient if the goal is not precisely defined.
Consciously thinking through what will happen, at the end of the communication process, to the person on the receiving end.
2. The law of setting the agenda (thematisation)
Thematising expresses an action; its root is the word theme.
Thematising begins with defining the theme in such a way that the receiver has a relationship to it; they thus let the theme in and, through it, let in the sender of the message too.
3. The law of perception
In any communication process, the minimum goal is for the sender of the message to be remembered, to leave a trace in people’s minds.
4. The law of positivity
The word positive means: it is (that which actually exists).
Not the culture of the person who deceives themselves and fantasises, but the cult of the person who uncovers reality and, whatever the situation, remains active.
In communication terms, the positive person always takes an active position.
This does not mean that the positive person is always talking, but that they consciously regulate when they do not speak.
5. The law of fulfilment or self-fulfilment
Communication aside, every important thing begins with words; self-fulfilling prophecies have real power. Communication becomes the engine of development, because with words I drive stakes into the future and then catch up with them.
6. The law of content
In communication, content is the message itself, the essence that interests the receiver of the message.
Content is the essence and the effect together.
7. The law of transparency
In Hungarian, the meaning of the word transparency is made up of two words: visibility (láthatóság) and being self-explanatory (önmagától érthetőség). Transparency means not each of these separately, but the two together.
8. The law of message and message transfer
The What? and How? questions of communication.
Defining the message (that is, defining the essence) is a thinking process.
Transferring the message is a communication process.
The question is how to achieve the effect, convey the essence, get the message across.
Appropriate message-transfer tools have to be assigned to this.
9. The law of identification
The communicator has a relationship to what they are talking about.
If this is so, it then also shows.
And if it shows, that is a message in its own right.
10. The law of authenticity
Authenticity signifies legitimacy.
Where authenticity is concerned, it is never worth preparing for a single situation, but for a multitude of situations. Everyone decides on authenticity for themselves: the question is whether we are authentic in our own eyes.
Related terms
- positivity
- transparency
- message transfer