What should the relationship between listeners and communicators be for effective communication?

For effective communication, the relationship between listeners and communicators should be transactional. This means that both parties actively engage in the communication process, where the communicator delivers a message and the listener provides feedback or responses that indicate comprehension, agreement, or the need for clarification.

A transactional relationship fosters an interactive environment where ideas are exchanged, and both the communicator and listener contribute to the understanding of the message. This dynamic enhances clarity, ensures that the message is accurately conveyed, and helps to build rapport, making communication more effective.

In contrast, a casual relationship may lack the necessary engagement or seriousness that effective communication requires, while minimal interactions do not facilitate the feedback loop critical for clarifying understanding. A detrimental relationship implies negative dynamics, which would further inhibit effective communication and understanding. Thus, a transactional relationship actively supports and enhances the communication process.