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Communicating more effectively

In seeking to become a better communicator, you naturally need to con-

sider both content and context. Some basic points to consider when

seeking to get the content right:

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Preparation is really important and the longer, or more important the

interaction you are facing, the more you need to prepare.

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Even for short everyday interactions, be clear in what you wish to say

and get your thoughts organised in your own head, before you open

your mouth.

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Match the content of what you have to say with the requirements of

your audience, be that one person or many.

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Consider what they need to know, what they know already, and how

best to devise the message to make it stick for them.

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Be clear, concise and don’t wafﬂe.

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Be knowledgeable about your work and up to date with current

trends. Take proactive steps to build your knowledge base.

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Avoid instances where you are put on the spot for immediate answers

to complex issues. Naturally, there will be plenty of occasions where a

quick answer is required and you will need to cope effectively with

that.

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When you don’t have the answer, don’t bluff or think on the hoof. Be

honest and tell them you will get back to them. Then make sure you

do.

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Avoid overuse of meaningless jargon and buzzwords, or you could end

up sounding like a walking cliché machine. Never feel that you need

to join the jargon club – clear and simple is best.

In seeking to get the context right, things become somewhat more compli-

cated, for a lot of what you are currently doing in relation to tone and body

language is subconscious. Improving your self-control will help you here,

as it will allow you to manage your emotions more effectively and there-

fore improve how you communicate.

COMMUNICATION