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:
- You are NOT getting all of what you DO want, AND
- 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:
- Highly subjective
- Highly emotional
- 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
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:
- You sometimes use too much emotive language
- You sometimes claim knowledge of other peoples thinking
- 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:
- When you are unhappy: use objective language (non-emotionalised, non-opinionated factual language).
- Refrain from assuming that you know "what they are thinking".
- You should try to listen more carefully to what people ACTUALLY say; Respond only to that.
- 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.
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.
Blogs by Email
Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!
Further Reading in Communication - Clear Communication
-
The Six Barriers of Successful Communication
In order to be successful, we need to be able to communicate well with others. There are many barriers that can cause breakdowns in communication, which you need to be aware of and deal with effectively.
Read Article > -
Improving Your Communication Skills
Would you like to be a better communicator? Improve your communication skills with these simple, but effective, tips. Communication is not just what you say, it is learning how to be a better listener as well.
Read Article > -
Better Work Relationships
Developing your ability to create and maintain excellent relationships will help you enjoy more success in every aspect of your life.
Read Article > -
How to Politely Say 'No' to Your Boss
Learning to say 'no' is an important skill that many people find hard to do. This can cause stress and anxiety and failure to do their jobs effectively. Learn how and when to say 'no' to your boss.
Read Article > -
Communication Skills: Clear Thinking
One of the best ways to improve the clarity of your thinking is to get into the habit of differentiating between pairs of similar but opposing concepts.
Read Article >
Looking for Communication Skills Training?
If you're looking to develop your Clear Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 2 days, Gloucester (M5 J11), places available