How To Communicate More Clearly
Communication is the foundation of all social evolution and in the present, it comes in many forms. Whether you leave home or not, you still communicate with others daily, be it online or in person. How well you get along with people hinges on how well you communicate. How successful you are in life hinges on how well you communicate. There are a few ‘rules’ that you can apply to all of your communications.
In his best-selling book, People Skills, psychologist Robert Bolton notes:
Why?
Specifically regarding work or professional communication we often waste a lot of time and energy communicating when we don’t actually know why we’re bothering. So, think about what you would like to accomplish?
This can also be applied to your personal life, even idle chit-chat can have some type of purpose, whether it’s bonding or getting to know someone.
When others initiate a conversation, consider why it’s taking place. If you can’t understand why try to gently guide the dialogue to determine the why. The purpose of this is to focus and understand the why to avoid rabbit trails and side issues that detract from the manner at hand. Asking questions can really expand and add quality to communication, but one also needs to know how to Listen Actively
In-Person Communication
Have you ever fallen out with someone over text message? Or watched a fight unfold on social media because one person read someone else’s tone wrong? If you’re dealing with a highly emotional issue, then it should be addressed in person. If it’s impossible to do so in person, at least do so via video call. This goes for positive and negative emotions. If you’re delivering great news then you want everyone to get sucked into your positive energy.
As far as bad news or negative conversations go, it will be received better if you do the job in person.
Email Facts
People often lose concentration when they are being given facts and figures verbally. If you’re dealing with a finance issue, statistics, or otherwise, USE email and attachments to share this information so the other person can easily look back on the numbers when necessary.
No Talking, Just Listen
This is applicable to in-person communication. Stop spending so much time doing all the talking and start listening. Unless you are the one who came to the table to start a conversation, give others the respect they’re due when they are trying to communicate their ideas or feelings. Don’t dominate conversations with your motor-mouth.
Simplicity
We live in a society of information overload so simplify your messages. It seems so many messages are full of nebulous words (many times of little meaning or relevance) which the speaker feels gives them credibility. Ever notice that happening on the ‘News” or listening to politicians. You might use five sentences, but you can probably say it with one.
Share your Experiences Improving the Art of Communication
along your Journey of Life in the Comments below
