Communicate facts via email
- People only retain a small percentage of facts when they're communicated verbally. Having those facts written helps to ensure that they don't get lost when it's time to make decisions.
- It's much better to use email to get everyone up to speed and then have a discussion of what yet needs to be accomplished.
MORE IDEAS FROM THE ARTICLE
You're wasting time and energy if you don't know the reason the communication is taking place.
Before you initiate any communication, ask yourself, "What am I trying to accomplish?" Even chitchat should have a purpose, even if it's just to build camaraderie.
Any communication that has high emotional content should be delivered in person (if possible) or by telephone and teleconferencing (if not). This applies to both positive and negative news.
If you use email, it will seem like you don't care or that you're a coward.
In business situations, communication is never about you. It's always about the other person.
Try to avoid dominating any conversation or communication, because if you're motor-mouthing (or motor-mailing), you're not learning anything.
If you want to cut through the noise, you need to make your message as simple and easy to consume as possible.
All of us suffer from massive information overload, which creates seemingly endless confusion and stress.
RELATED IDEAS
- Using a One-Size-Fits-All Communication Approach. Tailor the communication style to the intended audience.
- Speaking More and Listening Less. Listen to what is said, how it is said, and to what is not said.
- Assuming Instead of Asking More Questions.
- Using Negative Tone. Choose words carefully to eliminate negative reactions.
Avoiding Difficult Conversations.
Reacting, Not Responding.
Not Keeping an Open Mind. Accept and respect differences, listen without judgment and consider all sides of an issue.
Body language is great for communicating confidence and certainty, while verbal communication is better for communicating knowledge and wisdom– so keep that in mind when considering what kind of emotional connection you want to establish, and don’t forget to channel your passion through these forms of communication.
- Lack of attention to tone. No matter what the circumstances, learn to pay attention to tone. Before you speak, pause and take a breath.
- One-size-fits-all communication. Different people have different needs and expectations.
- Avoiding the difficult conversation. Everybody faces conflict.Provide clear and actionable feedback, even when it is difficult for you.
- Reacting instead of responding. Before reacting with anger and frustration, pause to reflect.Then respond in stead of react.
- Indulging in gossip. Leave no place for gossip if you want to be trusted and esteemed as a communicator.
- Speaking more and listening less. When you listen more than you speak, you open yourself up to learning and empathy.
- Thinking you are being understood. Take the time to check that people have understood your message.