Clear Communication – It’s How You Say It
Clear Communication is more than the words we say. Most people agree that most of our communication is body language and tone of voice. That’s why it’s important to be sure that what you said was heard, understood, and processed correctly. Otherwise, words can be hot air and sound more like “whah-whah-whah-blah-blah-blah!” In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
How you choose to say something is as important or more important than the words you choose to say. Think of all the ways people say “fine.” With a pleasant tone, it can literally mean you are fine. You are far from fine if you use an angry tone with a cranky expression! Body language and tone of voice pack meaning into your words. Non-verbal communication can send messages with no words at all. We know what an eye roll means, right?
Another factor is the number of words you use. That alone can help or hinder clear communication. Rambling can become venting if there’s a lot of frustration behind those words. You might see a big difference in how your people respond when you limit your words, speak calmly, and use clear, concrete terms. When people don’t respond in the way we expected, it might be because they need time to clearly understand what was said and translate those words into action steps. Albert Einstein reminds us, “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”
Last but not least is the timing of a conversation. It’s important to wait for the right moment. If it’s a private matter, keep it private. Don’t discuss it in front of others, even your inner circle or family members. If it’s a difficult conversation, avoid the heat of the moment when emotions can boil over. Timing is everything. Try your best to keep conversations face-to-face or voice-to-voice. Avoid letters, emails, and texts to solve conflict. Because they lack the benefit of body language and tone of voice that offers clarity, these types of communication can do more harm than go.
Here are a few tips
- Don’t start talking until you are sure you have the other person’s attention.
- Speak directly to your point and avoid rambling about details that don’t matter.
- Use the art of the pause to give your listener time to process what you are saying.
- Ask good questions to be sure what you said was understood.
- Timing is important.
Clear Communication is worth every second you invest in it. It is so much more than merely sharing information. It is about cultivating relationships. If it does not come easily to you, then work on it. “Communication is a skill you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you are willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.” (Brian Tracy)