Tips for Communicating More Effectively

When our communications are good, our relationships are strengthened. Once you improve your communications, you will find others to be more open to communications with you. To communicate effectively, you must be able to do two things: Listen and Sell.
When Listening…
Listen with a true desire to understand. ·Set aside time, close your papers and put your phone on hold when talking with others. Whenever possible, don't have hallway conversations on important subjects. ·Take notes so you remember the important points of the conversation. ·Don't plan on what you will say next while the person is talking. Accept that new information gained may affect what you think you have to say. ·Call a time-out ff you find yourself getting rattled or distracted, and choose a later time to listen when you think you can be more receptive. ·Ask questions. Ask at least three questions before offering your opinion. This helps everyone get better at problem solving and makes every solution a well thought-out and tested one. ·Learn to say these four important sentences when listening: "I don't understand." "Could you tell me what that means?" Would you give me an example?" and "What do you think?" ·Learn the difference between open-ended and closed-ended questions. ·Don’t be defensive. ·Suspend disbelief. Listen to information as it it applied to someone else to or another company. What would your response be if you felt no need to defend? ·Don’t shoot the messenger.

When Selling your ideas… ·Anticipate the positions and needs of your audience. ·Before making a presentation, define for yourself, the term “win, win.” In each situation, know before the discussion where you are willing to make tradeoffs or make bargains. ·Never let those important to your success be surprised – always keep them informed of your ideas before anyone else. ·Learn what other people want and give them the information they need before they have to ask. ·Find a friend who can play the hostile adversary. Videotape your presentation and responses to his/her questions. View the video for ways to improve your presentation. ·Anticipate questions about and write the answers down. ·State your opinions clearly and concisely. ·Learn to effectively use visual aids. ·Identify your main point and then make it in several different ways. ·Minimize your use of jargon and acronyms. ·Create a 20-second sound bite that captures the essence of your message