Communication Methods

Methods of Communication

Communications skills training is mostly concerned with the proper use of language.

The degree of your communication skills and your use of language can even determine how successful you will be.
Those people who are training their communications skills and therefore, can more effectively handle words do far better than those with few communications skills who are therefore inarticulate, inexpressive and illiterate.
If you were to devote some time to additional communications skills training, then this investment would repay you a thousand times. Why?

Because if you are anything like the rest of humanity, then you may have the following situation:

1. You are NOT getting all of what you DO want, AND
2. You ARE getting some of what you DON'T want.

There are many reasons for that: These reasons fall into two categories:
Group one: Reasons that are emanating from outside of you and are not caused by you. You cannot change these.

Group two: The reasons that ARE emanating from inside of you and ARE caused by you. You can and should change these.

One of the causes of your problems is HOW you word some of your messages.

NOTE the following:

You sometime pepper your message with words and phrases that are:

1. Highly subjective
2. Highly emotional
3. Highly evaluative

These words and phrases are RED RAG phrases to others.
They trigger a negative emotional response in others.
It may be that you are triggering negative emotional responses in others around you.

Communication Skills Training

Communication Skills Training

Do you ever think to yourself, "I know what I mean, but I can't explain it"? You need to be able communicate facts, feelings, information and ideas, in a clear, professional and confident manner. If you want to learn more about our communication skills training, please click here.

Examples of red rag language: Calling other people: "In-appropriate, unprofessional, prejudiced; selfish; unfair".

Sometimes, you account for the behaviour of others, by claiming knowledge of the other person's motives and thought process: this is knowledge which you do not have.

Example:
"Obviously John said that because he feels threatened by my abilities and wants to make me look bad in front of Roger".

In addition:
You sometimes distort what you actually hear and respond emotionally to what you think they mean.

The truth is that:

1. You sometimes use too much emotive language
2. You sometimes claim knowledge of other peoples thinking
3. You sometimes inaccurately put words into the mouth of the person you are debating with

You sometimes fail to gain the results you need to get from other people because you sometimes fail to use your language skills to your own advantage.

I suggest that you do the opposite, specifically:

1. When you are unhappy: use objective language (non-emotionalised, non-opinionated factual language).
2. Refrain from assuming that you know "what they are thinking".
3. You should try to listen more carefully to what people ACTUALLY say; Respond only to that.
4. Do not translate it into what you think they might mean.

Your major goal in life is to succeed:

In order to do that you must gain the cooperation of others.
You are having trouble gaining all the cooperation you need PARTLY because of the points listed above.

Definition: Objective language

Objective language is a business communication technique that sticks to clear, checkable facts, uses neutral words, keeps emotion and judgement out, and never guesses what other people think. Using it lets you share messages without stirring anger or defence and helps you gain their willing support.

Article Summary

Clear, objective language sits at the heart of communication skills training: drop emotional ‘red rag’ words, stop guessing motives, listen to facts, and you gain the cooperation, energy and success that heated talk blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication

• Communication Methods
  Learn why communication skills training hinges on objective language. Drop emotive red-rag words, listen well and win cooperation, time and staff engagement.
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• Better Work Relationships
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• Communication Skills: Two Opposites
  Learn clear communication by spotting ambiguity and choosing contradictory, not contrary, opposites. Reduce polarised thinking and avoid misunderstandings.
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• Clear Communication
  Learn clear communication fast: choose precise words, add numbers, define terms. Cut confusion, save time and help teams work 20% faster with specific messages.
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• How to Develop Self-Confidence
  Learn how to build self confidence by reshaping your self image. Apply the RAPID method-five clear steps-to swap doubt for daily certainty and stronger results.
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