We’ve all needed to communicate with someone at one point or another. Presentations to coworkers, important status updates/memos, and just plain old conversations are all part of our life. Is there a right way and a wrong way to communicate with someone? The answer is, it depends on a number of different factors. What are the goals of the conversation, why are you having it, what are the points you want the person(s) to leave with? These are all important questions to ask before you even begin the communication process. Keep in mind that the world needs more communicators. Here are a few tips to effective communication in the workplace and in our daily lives.
- SIMPLIFY
Life is very complicated sometimes, isn’t it? It seems that everyone around us seems to try and make everything complex. There is no better reason to break the mold of complexity than by being simple in your communication. Simplify your thoughts and ideas so that they are tangible and understandable for the receiver of the information. I tend to buffer a conversation with a huge set up, I realized recently that people are trying to keep up with me even before I start what I’m really trying to say. This is not an effective way of communicating as you will have to repeat yourself a lot. I think Forbes magazine put it best when they described the importance of simplicity,
“Your employees and customers are being bombarded 24/7 by information, making it hard for them to hear you. Simplicity has never been more powerful or necessary. Effective leaders distill complex thoughts and strategies into simple, memorable terms that colleagues and customers can grasp and act upon.” (Forbes.com)
- LISTEN
Has there been a time where someone has finished their part of the conversation and you have no idea of what they said. Instead of asking them to repeat themselves you try to go along and respond with something hoping it fits in with their thought. This is a good example of not listening to someone. Make every effort when someone is talking to listen and take time to digest the information they are giving you. Sometimes we tend to form a response before someone else is finished theirs, let them finish. Skillsyouneed.com has a great thought on this concept.
“Listening is not the same as hearing; learn to listen not only to the words being spoken but how they are being spoken and the non-verbal messages sent with them. Use the techniques of clarification and reflection to confirm what the other person has said and avoid any confusion. “ (Skillsyouneed.com)
- SLOW DOWN
We are busy, but our communication with people can’t be rushed. Slow down and try to understand the conversation entirely. We can get into the mode of just throwing template responses to others rather than trying to stay and talk. If you find yourself saying your ‘catch phrase’ over and over again, there may be an issue. Make sure you take time, slow down, listen and simplify.