Effective Communication: Talk With Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime

Effective Communication: Talk With Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime
By Dr. Brian Grossman

7 Steps to Effective Communication

Everything You’ll Ever Need, To Get Anything You’ll Ever Want

How often have you said the wrong thing to the wrong person? Have you lost your temper with co-workers in front of a group? Have you ever thought of the right thing to say at a critical moment, ten minutes after the moment?Here are 7 quick tips to assist you in becoming an effective, influential communicator.

Step 1: Think before you speak

This is the BEST tool to stop you from being fired, embarrassed or simply developing a bad reputation in your personal and business network.

Even when you feel confident at work or home, when interacting with others, we can say the wrong comment at a critical moment. Remember, difficult or angry people are experts at pushing your emotional triggers or buttons.

When you are going to contribute or say anything at a key moment, Take a Breath and Think Before you Speak.

What are you going to say? What’s the goal? Is it an additional comment? Is it sarcasm? Are you agreeing, disagreeing, or just talking. Think of George Costanza in Seinfeld? That is not the reputation you want.

Now, many people ask, How do I appear to others while I ma thinking? Great questions: When you are stumped, and therefore thinking, you can say “Great Questions, Thanks for asking, let me think for a moment.” Now you appear competent, thoughtful, and graceful in communication.

Step 2: What is their style?

What is the style of the person you are talking to? Are they fast paced, slow paced? Direct, harsh, easy going and friendly, or talking and you do not get a word in?

There are four core styles of people. Direct, Relational, social and logical. Match the style of person or people you are talking to. This takes some practice, yet the benefits are huge. If you are talking at a slow pace to people who are fast paced, they are screaming in their head…”Get to the point!”

Social people drive logical people nuts. They jump from topic to topic.

Step 3; Become a wordsmith! (Be great at vocabulary.)

What is the language at your workplace? Is profanity acceptable? Is it an easy going pleasant communication style, or are people driven and we talk in short bullet points. The better you can match the culture at work, and the words, the better your reputation will become.

Step 4: How am I perceived? Check In to find out

Have you ever asked a trusted source how you are perceived at work? Or, have you found out at performance review time? Have you come to your husband or wife and they have been upset at your from and event three days ago?

We all settle into routine. We tune out the familiar. It’s important to “check in” after a difficult communication, or in general with others. “How are we doing? What can I do for you? If you have had an incident with someone, do not hide. Deal wit the situation and people will accept you.

Step 5: Avoid Sarcasm, Use Humor

Sarcasm is humor with a sharp, cutting edge. If you are at work, you may think “these people know me; sarcasm will not be an issue.” Then, later, you are called into a meeting with the boss. Avoid making fun of specific people. Avoid sarcasm on the phone at all costs. It is usually misinterpreted and, “you can’t take it back.”Use you natural humor. Poke fun at common events that happen to everyone.

Step 6: Avoid potholes

Often, we are trapped by others into awkward moments. We might feel compelled to pile on when making fun of someone else, or trying to get the last word in with our colleagues. Just like in sports, the second person gets the penalty; you will be remembered for the last mean insulting reward.

Be the designated communicator: Remind people to be their best, and you can stop the pile on, or falling into the pot hole effect.

Step 7: Listen more, talk less.

When at work, or networking, or business events, have your guard up. Be clear in what you want to say. Rehearse your tag line at home. What are three things you do well that you can offer others?

Ask questions to other people. Get them talking. People’s favorite topic is themselves. Ask them about their issues, their work, their fun, and listen.When you hear a connection that you can offer your expertise, jump in. People connect with others best when they feel they were listened to, and not told too much.

Dr. Brian teaches techniques that allow professionals to tap into their own style of communication to accomplish goals and to say anything to anyone, anywhere anytime.

Dr. Brain Grossman
http://www.drbriangrossman.com

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