Thinking about communication as a bridge, it’s apparent that it’s a bridge for a reason. There is a gap to clear. There are over three million results on Google for “communication gap“.

Communication comes in different forms. Verbal, non-verbal and written are the most common ways I can think of. Verbal is convenient for face to face, over the phone, or yelling down the hall. Non-verbal can be used to suggest, with physical gestures a meaning, or spoken using sign language. Written is meant to be read, pondered, scratched, and re-written.

bridge with traffic flowing on it at night showing the flow

Back to the bridge analogy. With all this communication going on, there are a few possible scenarios. Smooth flowing traffic. Congested, slow moving. Don’t forget the stopped traffic.

Whether you consider yourself a great communicator, mediocre, or would rather avoid it altogether, by now, you have discovered there isn’t a way to completely avoid it. As such, this is a good thing. Think about the last best success you had, something that you feel good about. The chances are high, communication, of any form, played a part in the success.

What is your communication style?

Is it more about style, or more about delivery? Honestly, both. Style usually equates to your tone and expression. Delivery, think about the volume of your voice, intensity of your non-verbal expression.

Taking this into consideration. If you act confidently, while still remaining humble, and have a calm tone and smooth intensity in your non-verbal motions and expressions, chances are you are feeling pretty good about the communicating thats going on. A contrasting situation would be much different.

The situation calls for different styles and delivery. Your mileage may vary.

How well does your communication bridge flow?

Besides style and delivery, and situation, the way the actual communication flows is a different matter.

The Alcántara Bridge, a Roman stone arch bridge built over the Tagus River in Spain, between 104 and 106, is still standing today. Taking a beating over the years from wars and the elements, the bridge stands as testament to magnificent architecture and unique design. Most significantly, considering an old bridge, and the work it has taken to continually preserve it over the years, is no different than maintaining a bridge of communication.

No matter whether your communication bridge is newly built, or old and battered, continually taking the opportunity to make repairs as needed is critical to maintaining smooth flowing traffic. Outside elements, rain, snow, wind, accidents, and natural disasters can, and will cause bridge flow to be slowed and disrupted. Being thoughtful and maintaining an insightful poise to communication, and meeting halfway, can and will bring the flow to a meaningful point again.

Keep crossing those bridges. Work on maintenance, and most of all enjoy smooth flowing traffic.

(Photo credit: TalkingTree)