3 answers
Matthew
Student
Anchorage, Alaska
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How to communicate effectively?
How to communicate effectively?
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1613
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Communication is one of the most important skills in any field. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just trying to get through your day, being able to communicate effectively can make a big difference. Great communicators choose their words well, understand their audience, and connect with them at the right time and place. By applying these tips and practicing often, you can master the skills and learn how to be an effective communicator.
🗣️ COMMUNICATE CLEARLY
When you’re communicating with someone, it’s important to be clear and concise. This means using language that is easy to understand and avoiding jargon or technical terms that the other person may not be familiar with. It also means getting to the point quickly and avoiding rambling.
👂 BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER
Active listening is just as important as clear communication. When you’re listening to someone, it’s important to make eye contact, nod your head, and ask clarifying questions. This shows the other person that you’re paying attention and that you’re interested in what they have to say.
🔊 WATCH YOUR TONE
How you say something can be just as important as what you say. As with other nonverbal cues, your tone can add power and emphasis to your message, or it can undermine it entirely. When speaking, tone includes volume, projection, and intonation as well as word choice. In real time, it can be challenging to control tone to ensure that it matches your intent. But being mindful of your tone will enable you to alter it appropriately if a communication seems to be going in the wrong direction.
🫵 NOTE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
Communication involves not just the words you speak, but what your body is saying. Without realizing it, your body language can send a stronger message than your words. If you sit or stand with your shoulders hunched and your arms folded across your chest, you show that your guard is up and you’re unwilling to have productive, two-way discussions. Alternatively, when you sit or stand up straight with your arms at your sides, or relax into a more casual pose, you project openness and a willingness to communicate—before you’ve said a single word.
⏳ PACE YOURSELF
Pay attention to how quickly you’re speaking and whether your audience appears to be processing what you’re saying. Slow down if necessary, and vary the volume and rhythm of your speech to hold their attention. It’s important to deliberately repeat important points a few times to make sure your listeners hear what you have to say. Don’t spend too much time setting up your idea or request. Communicate your needs and desires clearly. You’ll not only avoid misunderstandings, you’ll earn respect through your honesty and clarity and have a greater chance of accomplishing your goal.
⏰ TIMING IS EVERYTHING
If you’re planning to ask your boss for a raise, make sure he or she is in a receptive mood. If there’s a big problem on the production line or your company has lost a big account, it’s not the best time to bring up the subject. So, in general—whether you’re planning to deliver good or bad news or simply presenting a new idea that requires energy and focus—be aware of your audience’s mind-set. Timing is a big factor in successful communication.
🗣️ COMMUNICATE CLEARLY
When you’re communicating with someone, it’s important to be clear and concise. This means using language that is easy to understand and avoiding jargon or technical terms that the other person may not be familiar with. It also means getting to the point quickly and avoiding rambling.
👂 BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER
Active listening is just as important as clear communication. When you’re listening to someone, it’s important to make eye contact, nod your head, and ask clarifying questions. This shows the other person that you’re paying attention and that you’re interested in what they have to say.
🔊 WATCH YOUR TONE
How you say something can be just as important as what you say. As with other nonverbal cues, your tone can add power and emphasis to your message, or it can undermine it entirely. When speaking, tone includes volume, projection, and intonation as well as word choice. In real time, it can be challenging to control tone to ensure that it matches your intent. But being mindful of your tone will enable you to alter it appropriately if a communication seems to be going in the wrong direction.
🫵 NOTE YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
Communication involves not just the words you speak, but what your body is saying. Without realizing it, your body language can send a stronger message than your words. If you sit or stand with your shoulders hunched and your arms folded across your chest, you show that your guard is up and you’re unwilling to have productive, two-way discussions. Alternatively, when you sit or stand up straight with your arms at your sides, or relax into a more casual pose, you project openness and a willingness to communicate—before you’ve said a single word.
⏳ PACE YOURSELF
Pay attention to how quickly you’re speaking and whether your audience appears to be processing what you’re saying. Slow down if necessary, and vary the volume and rhythm of your speech to hold their attention. It’s important to deliberately repeat important points a few times to make sure your listeners hear what you have to say. Don’t spend too much time setting up your idea or request. Communicate your needs and desires clearly. You’ll not only avoid misunderstandings, you’ll earn respect through your honesty and clarity and have a greater chance of accomplishing your goal.
⏰ TIMING IS EVERYTHING
If you’re planning to ask your boss for a raise, make sure he or she is in a receptive mood. If there’s a big problem on the production line or your company has lost a big account, it’s not the best time to bring up the subject. So, in general—whether you’re planning to deliver good or bad news or simply presenting a new idea that requires energy and focus—be aware of your audience’s mind-set. Timing is a big factor in successful communication.
Mariana Palacios-Valderrama
Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact
2
Answers
Jersey City, New Jersey
Updated
Mariana’s Answer
Recently someone share with me that the most surprising thing they have learned about communication is that, yes tone, body language and the language and words you use is key. But, event more important, you need to have clarity yourself on the purpose of why you are communicating. So, for example, if you want to have a conversation with team members on a project you are working about a particular challenge you see in your work. It is important for you to have clarity on what about this challenge you are all experiencing is the root cause. Why is it you feel you need to talk to them. If you are giving a presentation, same idea. Why are you talking about the topic you are talking about?
On a more day-to-day basis, I find that organizing my thoughts and points I want to address on a list of some sort helps me clarify how I want to approach the said conversation. It helps me stay on track with my objectives of communicating.
One other big part of communication, is listening. Active listening will make you a better communicator. So it's about understanding what others are thinking and experiencing. Try to refrain from thinking about responses as others are giving you their answers.
On a more day-to-day basis, I find that organizing my thoughts and points I want to address on a list of some sort helps me clarify how I want to approach the said conversation. It helps me stay on track with my objectives of communicating.
One other big part of communication, is listening. Active listening will make you a better communicator. So it's about understanding what others are thinking and experiencing. Try to refrain from thinking about responses as others are giving you their answers.
Linda Mire
Interior Design
137
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Communication is one of the most important aspects of our lives and we mostly fall short in mastering the skill. We need to place ourselves in the position of the opposing directive and understand the true intention coming our way so we can address it with clear and thoughtful information and meaning. Commanding a healthy vocabulary is vital to pursue and convey you message also to understand what you are equating.