Tips for clearer communication

Success in communication

The first golden rule to success in communication is to think ahead. If we can predict some of the likely problems before we communicate, we may be able to avoid them. While communicating, you should be:

v clear,

v constructive,

v concise,

v correct,

v courteous,

v complete (the six Cs of effective communication).

If you want to make your communication more effectively, ask these questions before:

Why? (Purpose): Why am I communicating? What is my real reason for writing or speaking?

Who? (Receiver): Who exactly is my audience? (Personality? Education? Age? Status?)

Where and When? (Place and time)

What (Subject). What exactly do I want to say? What do they need to know?

How? (Tone and style). How will I organize the points? Shall I use deductive sequence (start with my main points and then go to the explanations? Or inductive sequence? What tone and words must I use/avoid in order to create the right message?

• Simplify Language. Structure your language to clear sentences. Rephrase your sentence when necessary. Avoid using jargon and slang. Choose simpler words. Speak clearly, pronounce words distinctly. You can also summarise what has been discussed, especially at the end of talks. Use objective, accurate language. Americans tend to throw around adjectives such as fantastic and fabulous, which foreigners consider unreal and overly dramatic.

• Active Listening. Often the receiver hears but not listens. Don’t be afraid to ask “Is that clear?” and to check the listener’s comprehension through specific questions. Encourage the listener to ask questions.

• Constrain Emotions. Hold back emotions whilst discussing a certain sensitive issue. Speak through a neutral manner. Don’t talk down to the other person.

• Feedback. Look for feedback. Be alert to glazed eyes or signs of confusion in your listener. Realise that nods and smiles do not necessarily mean understanding. Use closed-ended questions (“Did you understand what I just said?” or “Is what I said clear to you?”) or open-ended questions to have the receiver summarize the message.

Дата добавления: 2014-11-20