Absolutely everyone wants or should have the desire to communicate better. To be more precise than they are right now. Aim to be economic in their words and actions. To be an effective communicator with clarity, and not ramble or waste time.
Throughout our lives, what we do is pick up and develop poor speaking habits and pronunciations in our tongue, on how we speak.
There are just a few who can be considered perfect communicators. Those who are always able to get their message across fluently.
Some of these habits however can still be useful, as long as we’re able to get our directives and intent across.
There are others who develop certain challenges, to the point where it becomes difficult understanding them.
What we also don’t intend to do, is cloud our objectives or make others feel what they’re saying isn’t being heard.
In the majority of cases, it’s these habits which gets in the way when it comes to the accountability of ourselves.
Make Eye Contact
There are some who feel awkward when looking at someone directly. They would rather focus on looking elsewhere during conversations, especially when alone.
But it should be made a point, to make more more eye contact. What this supports is doing so conveys truth and honour.
To some, it may feel uncomfortable looking, gazing, into another person’s eyes, as they’ll quickly divert elsewhere.
The majority feel better connected, more empowered, and it’s the quickest way of finding out what their true emotions are.
Have A Genuine Conversation With Them
Since we live in a world of multitasking, what most want is your undivided attention when they’re talking to you.
If there’s too many distractions, then you’re more than likely to miss an important detail which might just prove to be the difference.
Whether you’re having a conversation directly in person or over the phone, make sure you give them your dedicated focus and time.
This way, you’ll make them feel a lot more important and worthy, as they know you’re listening.
The conversations will actually be shorter and more precise, when talking exclusively to them. This allows you to go back, and do whatever you were originally doing.
Make Sure You Ask Questions
When having important conversations, the purpose is to exchange a series off pointed words.
So the transmission, the transferring of the vital data or gaining clarity on a topic, can be understood.
If someone just blurts out facts or orders in quick succession, the intended message can easily be lost or misunderstood.
Always make it a point in every important conversation, to think of a few relevant questions and make sure you ask them.
Following this process will make you pay more attention, and think more of what’s being said. Doing so also ensures you’re both completely engaged.
Always Write Things Down
There are those who pride themselves in having an excellent memory, and can recall everything they hear.
It’s thought however you should be saving your brain cells for more creative and progressive thinking, and not as a to-do list. That’s the purpose of writing things down.
It’s advised you send yourself an email, or text yourself on what you need to do. The best way remains writing it down using pen and paper.
However you decide to do so, always record the most important takeaways from the conversation you’ve just had, so you don’t need to ask again. The best format being a journal.
Always Assume The Best Intentions
Verbal communication is now quickly turning into short emails and texting. It then becomes difficult to know, what the exact intended tone of any message or communication is.
It’s not uncommon to hear someone complain about how poor someone’s attitude is, from an innocuous email.
The reason being, the reader will end up reading the text in the emotion which supports their point of view.
If any animosity exists between the two parties, then that perceived tone is taken.
With any short form of communication which are nonverbal, it should always be read with the assumption the intention is positive on the senders side.
If there’s any doubt, speak to them in person. Give them the opportunity to insult you directly to your face if that’s the intent, just to make sure.
Respond Back Sooner Than Later
Always set a routine when communicating with others. This will help with your productivity, along with managing the expectations of those you’re interacting with.
It becomes extremely frustrating and time consuming to spend time chasing one another, playing phone or email tag.
Not knowing when or whether you’ll get a response back anytime soon, becomes annoying.
To solve this, all parties should make it a rule, once they’ve read a message, they’ll communicate back in an agreed time span.
If you or they read a text message, agree to respond back within 20 minutes. Phone messages within 60 minutes, and any pressing e-mails within 6 hours.
You can set an appropriate time frame, and once it’s set, extend the courtesy to keep that schedule, which manages your time better.
Make sure you let others know what they should be expecting, by giving them these time frames and make it mutual.
Then those who you work with or are in touch with, will begin recognizing and respecting these guidelines.
Lets Just Communicate
Confirm when a conversation is over. When sending an email or text requesting information, tell them what your time frame is, and if it’s acceptable with them or not.
Have the courtesy to reply with a simple “Thanks” or “Got It.”
Not doing so is the electronic equivalent of walking away from a conversation while someone is still talking to you, or you hanging up the phone on them.