It isn’t what you say . . . it is what they hear.
● “Turn right here.” said the local, sitting in the passenger seat. “Okay,” responded the driver, new to the area, as he began to make a right turn into a dark alley. “What are you doing?!” exclaimed the local. “I am turning where you told me to!” responded the driver. “No, no! You can’t turn right here, that is one-way!” came the excited response! “You have to turn left!” “But you said to turn right!” exclaimed the driver.
● You brought home chicken noodle soup instead of the desired cream of chicken. The order was for “chicken soup.”
● The philosophy was to treat the customers as special guests: give them a sample of candy.
The server offered something the customer did not like or want. Instead of offering something else, she just withdrew the original.
Ineffective communication can be costly. You may want to review your practices.
First, understand that the responsibility for effective communication is the sender’s – the communication initiator. Effective means that what you send, they get.
Second, know what you want to communicate, not just what you want to say. We all know people who wonder around the point until the real message becomes obscure. The more vague you are, the more likely the message will be misread, misunderstood, or, in some cases, missed completely.
Third, know your audience – the person or people you want to receive your message. For example, powder means a different thing to a Mary K rep, a ski enthusiast, or an explosive expert.
Fourth, choose the method of communication that facilitates the message best. Merely talking with the person or people, may suffice. For those ideas or requirements that are more important, or that might be misunderstood, written statements accompanied by your verbal explanation can make the difference.
Fifth, do a test run. Aircraft manufactures are required to test their planes on the ground and in the air, before commercial use. That allows changes to be made before the actual presentation. Have someone you trust read your material or listen to your proposal. Pay attention to their response and their advice. If the people close to you can’t understand what you are trying to convey, do not expect those farther removed to get the points.
Sixth, check for understanding particularly on critical points. Find out if the group or individual got the message. Do not use the time waster “do you all understand?” Do an upbeat test: “the point number one was . . .” The story about the girl at the candy shop is an excellent example of understanding the procedure but not the concept – the result of ineffective communication.
Effective communication is a skill that is critical to optimal success.
● “Turn right here.” said the local, sitting in the passenger seat. “Okay,” responded the driver, new to the area, as he began to make a right turn into a dark alley. “What are you doing?!” exclaimed the local. “I am turning where you told me to!” responded the driver. “No, no! You can’t turn right here, that is one-way!” came the excited response! “You have to turn left!” “But you said to turn right!” exclaimed the driver.
● You brought home chicken noodle soup instead of the desired cream of chicken. The order was for “chicken soup.”
● The philosophy was to treat the customers as special guests: give them a sample of candy.
The server offered something the customer did not like or want. Instead of offering something else, she just withdrew the original.
Ineffective communication can be costly. You may want to review your practices.
First, understand that the responsibility for effective communication is the sender’s – the communication initiator. Effective means that what you send, they get.
Second, know what you want to communicate, not just what you want to say. We all know people who wonder around the point until the real message becomes obscure. The more vague you are, the more likely the message will be misread, misunderstood, or, in some cases, missed completely.
Third, know your audience – the person or people you want to receive your message. For example, powder means a different thing to a Mary K rep, a ski enthusiast, or an explosive expert.
Fourth, choose the method of communication that facilitates the message best. Merely talking with the person or people, may suffice. For those ideas or requirements that are more important, or that might be misunderstood, written statements accompanied by your verbal explanation can make the difference.
Fifth, do a test run. Aircraft manufactures are required to test their planes on the ground and in the air, before commercial use. That allows changes to be made before the actual presentation. Have someone you trust read your material or listen to your proposal. Pay attention to their response and their advice. If the people close to you can’t understand what you are trying to convey, do not expect those farther removed to get the points.
Sixth, check for understanding particularly on critical points. Find out if the group or individual got the message. Do not use the time waster “do you all understand?” Do an upbeat test: “the point number one was . . .” The story about the girl at the candy shop is an excellent example of understanding the procedure but not the concept – the result of ineffective communication.
Effective communication is a skill that is critical to optimal success.
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