COMMUNICATION IS POWERFUL
We now know more than ever the power of communication. Businesses around the world are communicating with their stakeholders regularly with a higher sense of responsibility than ever before. People who were once at odds are finding ways to navigate beyond their differences to get things done. Why? They realize that what they say matters. Their message will either bring a sense of calm and confidence or a sense of chaos and panic.
YOUR MESSAGE IS IMPORTANT!
What you say is your message. Your message is important, and your message is your responsibility. You may have heard the famous words of actor Chris Tucker in the movie Rush Hour, “do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth.” The truth of the matter is that everyone has a filter. Whenever anyone communicates, this filter is used to interpret that communication. Here’s the thing, when we don’t take responsibility for our message, we can think we have communicated when no one understood the words coming out of your mouth.
WHAT COMPLICATES THE MESSAGE?
Many people assume they don't have a problem communicating. It is this assumption that leads people to blame gaming instead of ownership. The deal is, you own it. As the sender and owner of the message, the responsibility of effective communication can be complicated. What complicates the message? Using jargon that is not easily understood or regularly used by your audience. Basically, if you are a doctor explaining a diagnosis. It is best to use common language with your patient. As this will go a long way to helping them get or understand the message. Any patients out there feeling me on this?! Use nonverbal expressions that distract or send the wrong signal, like rolling your eyes or even giving the death stare. Using terminologies inappropriate or speaking with ambiguities. Talking just to hear yourself talk or adding fluff to something that does not need it. Just keep it simple as much as possible!
HOW TO SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY!
It all starts with the message. So, whether you have to deliver bad news or share breaking good news, here are a few things that will help you with preparing your message. First, make sure the message is as clear as possible. In short, make sure you know what you are talking about. Secondly, make your message concise. You can do this by removing all unnecessary information or reducing your adjectives. Third, your message must be correct. Sharing incorrect information can cause you to lose credibility. Also, if you find that information has changed, just provide an update using statements like “new information has come to my attention, or I apologize after further review”… Finally, your message must connect.
Remember, Communication Matters, and it starts with What You Say!