TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

First and foremost, let’s define what is meant by effective communication. Whether the communication is verbal or written, communication is only effective if three key points have been achieved. The intended message has been sent, received and understood.

We rely on our interpersonal skills on a day-to-day basis. Whether communicating with friends, family, colleagues or clients, effective communication is extremely important and plays a vital role in how we enhance valuable connections with others.

Did you know that excellent communication skills are one of the key requirements for when applying for a position as a consultant? Developing effective communication skills occupies a critical role in the applicant consultant’s preparation for the case interview. It is also not uncommon for the applicant to seek the services of a consulting coach to help guide and adequately develop their essential communication skills.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND COMMUNICATION

In the workplace, which is often a diverse environment, there are a considerable number of differences to carefully consider when communicating. These fundamental differences, like cultural and language differences, play a key role in communication and can present a number of challenges if not navigated correctly. These challenges can often give rise to a number of potential problems and result in miscommunication or misunderstandings. If you are working in a diverse environment, it helps tremendously to make the effort to stay properly informed about specific language and cultural differences present in the workplace.

For example, in some social cultures, maintaining direct eye contact is considered a sign of disrespect or a show of hostility. It is for reasons like this that knowing your audience is vitally important.

YOUR BODY LANGUAGE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS

Your body language occupies a vital role in how your effective communication might be received. Stating one thing verbally but something else with your non-verbal communication can give rise to a likely number of fundamental challenges. For example, as a consultant, you will often engage employees or management for information. Think about it, if you are requesting your intended audience to voluntarily share opinions and information but do so with a stance that comes across uninterested, this could result in the core value of your message not been properly communicated. People will be unforthcoming in a situation when you come across as unapproachable.

The recipient’s body language also plays a significant part in how communication is being received. Someone seated slumped, or leaning onto an elbow, could indicate boredom or lack of interest.  Non-verbal correspondence should always support your verbal communication.

INTERRUPTING THE OTHER PERSON

This is not only disrespectful and rude but also interrupts the other person line of thought which can result in something being incompletely or inaccurately communicated. There are a right way and a wrong way to interrupt communication and just jumping in and speaking over the person is most definitely the WRONG way.

If you absolutely must disrupt established communication at a specific point before the specific person is done speaking, do so gently and with proper respect. Properly indicate your intention; gently raise an arm to in line with your shoulder or in a normal tone say ‘excuse me” and when the person properly acknowledges you, then speak up.

ALWAYS LISTEN TO UNDERSTAND

Listening is about more than merely hearing and paying attention. You should always listen to understand. Listening is important but understanding is vital for effective communication. If what is being communicated is unclear, or you do not clearly understand what is being communicated, ask questions to get the necessary clarification. Ensure you clearly comprehend what is being communicated.

For example, your manager makes an announcement during a local staff meeting and promptly informs the team that forms must be in before the cutoff date. This communication is not effective unless you are explicitly clear on what forms must be filed and what the deadline date and time is.

It is not effective communication unless the intended message is clearly heard AND understood.

CLEAR, WITH INTENT AND CONFIDENCE

Consistently communicate with specific intent. In the workplace, always speak clearly and stick to the key topic until you are reasonably satisfied the direct message is properly received. Be confident when speaking and always clearly pronounce words clearly. Never use slang. This is even more crucial when properly communicating with clients. Your leading tone and word choice should always be clear and professional.

CHOOSE THE BEST COMMUNICATION METHOD

Effective communication can be verbal or written and carefully selecting the proper method of communication is important. If you want to communicate the same message to the whole team, all located in various offices, it is better to use written communication like e-mail. If you want to communicate with one person, walk over and communicate one-on-one. Always end with inviting questions. This way your audience will feel free to seek clarification.

TIPS TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Always listen and ask questions to clarify
• Identify your audience
• Direct particular attention to your body language
• Be brief and specific. Start communications with a purpose

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This article was written by My Consulting Coach.