====== The Cycle of Communication ======

===== Introduction =====

When observing the difference between great facilitators and those still in training, it has been noticed that great facilitators adhere to a simple communication cycle – whereby everything the client originates is acknowledged, either verbally or visually. Also, when the client answers a processing question or completes an action that was requested, the facilitator acknowledges this. Through this we have detailed a simple 'Cycle of Communication'.

A dictionary definition of communication is: 'The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium'

This is broken down in to the following parts for general conversation:

idea → conveyance → reception/interpretation → conversion → response → acknowledgement

  - An idea is generated by the sender (Joe wants to say “Hello” to Jane) 
  - This is conveyed across to the receiver by a medium (Joe says “Hello”, it travels by sound waves)
  - The receiver hears this and understands the message (Jane thinks, Joe said “Hello” to me)
  - The receiver converts the message (Jane thinks I'll say “Hi” back)
  - The receiver responds to the sender (Jane says “Hi Joe”)
  - The sender acknowledges the receiver (Joe smiles)
  - A small pause and the cycle begins again

===== The Communication Cycle in Processing =====

During processing, it was noticed that great facilitators stuck to this system without fail. All communication was fully acknowledged, usually with a definite “Thanks” or “Okay” and when a client was stuck in the middle of a communication cycle the facilitator waited patiently for the client to catch up and eventually answer the question, sometimes this required a little persuasion or encouragement. 

What is of the most paramount importance here is that:

**another cycle of communication is not started until the existing one has been completed**

Here is a breakdown of the Cycle of Communication in a session:

  - Is the client ready to receive the next question/instruction? (attention)
  - Facilitator establishes next question [idea]
  - Facilitator gives question to client [conveyance]
  - Client receives and interprets the question internally [reception/interpretation]
  - Client retrieves an answer from their system [conversion]
  - Client gives answer to facilitator [response]
  - Facilitator acknowledges client [acknowledge]
  - Facilitator sees that client received acknowledgement (attention)

The facilitator must at all costs, if she wishes to be successful in facilitating, stick to this cycle.