The Bottom Line Is Communication

Posted on February 25, 2008
Filed Under Writing and Speaking |

Being at home, at work, in school or anywhere for that matter, the underlying point is that wherever there is more than a single person (of course no one can survive in isolation or without communication), there is a need for communication. Communication requires different levels and styles. There is no “one size fits all” kind of communication, that is, one cannot communicate with the same styles she does as at work, home, at school, in a bar or anywhere for that matter. Imagine what it would be like if one starts to talk at home like the way she does at work. It won’t sound that good – in fact strange – and at times she may end up being unappreciated. Neither is it a new concept. Also, communication differs in levels – or age group.

So what is communication? Communication is in simple terms – the way one person relays message to another – either orally, via email, letter, signs, or through any means for that matter. The most important requirement in communication is to your audience (level) – that is, with whom you are communicating and then use the appropriate style.

What is needed for formal communication? Prepare yourself – either you are giving a presentation, having a meeting with your boss, or selling things to customers, prepare yourself well for it. How can this be done? This can be done by being confident, knowing what you are saying and not saying for the sake of saying it, know the other party in a broad sense such as boss, colleague, team leader, teacher, customer etc.

Informal communication does not require much planning, however, being a little careful of what one is saying to the other party at times saves a great deal of troubles – such as conflicts, disappointment, unnecessary argument and so forth. Some of you might have experienced this already.

Everybody likes to see a great start and a great finish. People care little about the middle. I used to hear on television the commentator of one sports saying “what a great start, and what a great finish.” No mention of “what a great middle or something!” Same concept applies to communication. One has to open or start with greatness, which includes being enthusiastic, having interest and being genuine. Similarly, ending a communication requires same ingredients.

How can you avoid unwanted communication? Simply keep it short and straight to the point. Even if the other party deviates, you be focused to your point and end the communication with a “great finish”.

How can you encourage or perhaps start communication? Everybody likes to talk about themselves and of course talk good. If you know the person whom you wish to communicate, then you need to say something good about that person – with the elements of great start. This technique is called loosening up the other party and encouraging her to respond. If you don’t know the person, then use the power of smile technique (refer to my article on this).

Communicating with people does not mean that you have to agree with them, but the way one disagrees really matters. How to disagree with something without offending the other party? It is simply responding with something like: “You are right in your own way” but “I do not agree with this point.” Never disagree with the person, but feel free to disagree with the issue being discussed. Most of the time, we have the tendency to say “Well, I don’t agree with you” which could be better said as “Well, I do not agree with this idea or concept.” My philosophy is: “I am not bad but my ideas might be incorrect” so always (where appropriate) attack the issue and not the person.

Effective communication – at times regular communication as well – may prove to be really helpful. It can save a relationship and friendship, family break-ups, job losses, and advocate one to succeed to greater path. Where circumstances demand, verbal communication should never be compromised with written communication. It is always best to discuss serious issues verbally than in writing – once again if possible.

Finally, the art of communication cannot be mastered by merely reading the books and articles on communication. It is learning and an ongoing process. The more one practices the art of” great start and great finish,” she not only becomes effective communicator but an influential person – positively influencing the people who come into contact with her. Therefore, the bottom line is to start effective communication and apply the formula of effective communication in daily lives. The things around you will change for the better. Communication has many facets – the more you practice, the more you will discover and learn and of course enjoy!

Ronald Kumar

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