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Communication Skill
It's How You Tell It!
It is a widely held belief that communication is only 10% what you say and 90% how you say it. Getting your message across in a clear, concise manner is paramount to you achieving the right result. In a world of emails and text messaging we spend a lot less time in face to face contact or on the telephone with clients, employees, family, friends and associates, opting instead for (sometimes hiding behind) the WRITTEN WORD. Whatever method of communication you choose; getting your point across is still very much the case of ‘How You Say It!’
In order to ensure that your message is heard and understood in the way you intended, take the time to ask:
Why - Why is this communication between you and the other person(s) necessary?
What - What do you hope to achieve through this communication?
Who - With whom am I communicating?
In business communication, Mode, Etiquette and Quality are still very much key considerations to be ignored at our peril! There may not be one "right" way to communicate but always take the time to consider what is most appropriate given the situation.
Looking for that new job or next promotion?
2003 - The University of Dublin surveyed employers to identify the transferable skills that employers most value in the workplace. Employers were asked to rank 23 transferable skills.
The top skill identified by employers was oral communication.
2006 - Graduate Careers Australia conducted a survey of employers in Australia and New Zealand. The skill ranked number 1 was Interpersonal and Communication Skills (written and oral)
2010 - In the National Association of Colleges and Employers' (NACE) Job Outlook 2010 survey, employers ranked communication skills at the top of the list of skills they look for when considering a potential employee.
Getting feedback
If you truly wish to improve your communication skills, ask for feedback from those you communicate with on a frequent basis and whose opinions you trust. Create a panel of critics. Identify areas for improvement and work on them. From time to time, check back in with your panel for a progress report. Keep working on improving your communication skills until you are happy with the level of improvement you have achieved.
Communication in the 21st Century
It took a while for me to get into texting but then I realised that SMS texting language is simply that, another language. Abhorred by some but nevertheless here to stay for a while at least until the next new thing comes along. A supplier of mine recently sent me the following text in response to a message I sent him earlier, O, I C. n wich case, Ill hld fyr 'til we cn discuss furthA. Ill SYL 2day. Roughly translated, it reads Oh, I see. In which case, I will hold fire until we can discuss further. I will see you later today. Yes, it was a text message but it was also a considered response to my earlier text. Did he get his message across? Of course he did. Do I think any less of him? No, but I appreciate that others might.
Until next time - Best of of the Best!