Three Steps to Better Communication Skills
Three Steps to Better Communication Skills
Communication may be defined as: the transfer of information and ideas, from one mind to another.
"GOOD Communication" is the effective transfer of information and ideas, without any distortion, omission or error.
It is important for you to become a good communicator because, to achieve your goals, you need to gain the willing cooperation of others.
It is almost impossible to succeed without gaining the willing cooperation of others. And in order to gain their cooperation you will need to effectively communicate with them.
So the question we now need to answer is:
How can we more effectively communicate?
Here are three steps to more effective communication. Whenever you have a message to communicate; please remember these three steps:
- Step 1. State your message clearly.
- Step 2. Give your reasons.
- Step 3. Give importance to your message.
Step one: State your message clearly.
State your message in clear and distinct terms.
Your primary aim as a communicator is to be understood. If the other person understands you, then you are doing well.
If the other person does NOT understand you, or worse, if the other person MIS-understands you, then you are failing as a communicator.
Your primary purpose as a communicator is to be understood.
In order to be understood; state your point very clearly, using short sentences and easy vocabulary.
If you are using any abstract concepts, then give a definition.
For example, at the start of this blog I defined the term "Effective communication". I needed to do that because "effective communication" is an abstract concept.
Remember that your main aim is to be understood.
Your second aim is to be agreed with.
So now we move to step two.
Step two: Give your reasons.
Give your listener reasons to believe that your message is true. Tell the other person why your message it true.
How you validate your message depends on what the message is.
Sometimes the validation will be from your own experience. So you may say, "In my experience, I have always found that, in order to gain the willing cooperation of others, it is important to explain to them the reasons for my ideas".
Sometimes your validation will be from common experience: So you could say, "Everyone knows how hard it is to get anyone to change their minds. So it is important to provide good reasons for everything you say."
Sometimes your validation will come from quoting an external source, or expert, or scientific law; or you may quote an authority.
You might say, "The Greek Philosopher Aristotle, defined humans as, "The rational animal". People do things only if there is a reason to do them. So if you want to get someone to believe you, then you must provide some good reasons; otherwise, they won't believe you."
Sometimes your reasoning will be strong and sometimes not, but you should try to show at least some logic; reason; evidence or proof that there is something to back up your original statement.
Remember that everyone already has a flock of opinions. So they don't need any of yours. UNLESS your point is not a mere-opinion; you have good reasons to back it up.
So: Give your reasons.
Then take step three.
Step three: Give importance to your message.
Make your message important.
If you have done steps one and two correctly you have reached the position that they understand and agree that what you say is true,
It may be true but it may be trivial. Your message may be true but of no importance.
So the third step is to add a meaning to your message.
Explain why your message is important.
Depending on the message, you should try to make the message important to your listener's own self-interest. Appeal to the listener's self-interest and you will tend to gain their attention.
If your message it unimportant, they won't be interested and won't listen.
And if they won't listen to you, you are not communicating very well.
Give them a reason to believe your message is important.
For example, I started this blog with this sentence.
"Communication skills training is important for your future".
If you are still reading, I have managed to hold your attention for about five minutes.
Summary
If you want to improve your communication skills remember these three steps:
- State your message clearly.
- Give your reasons.
- Give importance to your message.
In addition, as a listener, ask others to do the same.
- Ask the other for their main message in clear and distinct terms
- Ask them how they know their point is true?
- Ask them why it is important?
See if you can illicit good answers from the other person.
To discover where your communication skills are strongest, and where they are not so strong, try our quick quiz:
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.
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 - Persuasive Communication
-
Influencing skills - Being right is not enough to win
Influencing Skills Being right is not enough to win. You can be right and still lose if you use the wrong tactics. If you are right, but you word your message carelessly then you could easily lose-out to a person with a weaker idea, but who can explain it properly. So...
Read Article > -
Building Rapport
Building Rapport Communication skills training Have you ever met someone who seems to be able to "connect" with everyone? Have you noticed how people like this are more effective in their role? Life seems to be easier for them, doesn't it? This ability to connect with others is called Rapport. Creating...
Read Article > -
The Way You Speak to People
Learn to speak properly to people and you will gain their willing cooperation to help you. Negative talk tends to repel people.
Read Article > -
How to Persuade Others to Do What I Want
In leadership the common desire to make others do what you want is misguided. Forceful tactics lead to poor outcomes. Reframing the question to seek willing cooperation is crucial, as well as highlighting long-term benefits.
Read Article > -
How to change someone's mind
If you want to change someone's mind about their belief in something, don't challenge the idea itself, but the validity of the source of the belief.
Read Article >
Looking for Communication Skills Training?
If you're looking to develop your Persuasive Communication Skills, you may find this Communication Skills Training Course beneficial:
Open Training Course Pricing and Availability
Next Open Course Starts in 5 days, London - Central, places available