Region 11 Marketing Minute

Saying what you mean and meaning what you say isn't second nature. But getting your point across gets easier with these tips for better communication.

Communication skills are some of the most highly prized and sought-after skills in business. And they are equally essential in your chorus. Without communication skills, we are unable to let others know what we think, feel, or want to accomplish. We are unable to build teams, motivate others, or resolve conflict.

The Golden Rule of Communication

Since the dawn of man we have been perfecting techniques that help us to convey our messages. From gestures to inflections to carefully thought out words we strive to be understood. These clear-cut tips on communication teach the dynamics of making a point and shed light on the nuances of a true exchange.

Think before you speak. Saying what you mean and meaning what you say is the golden rule to communication. To achieve this you must hear what you are saying before it is spoken. This requires pausing for a moment of thought. Analyze what you plan to say and evaluate whether it sounds like what you mean. When you speak to someone you don't have a backspace key to erase what you just said.

Make eye contact. Eye contact emphasizes sincerity and without sincerity your point will not be received. All animals, including humans, use eye contact to read intentions and many have said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. A strong gaze also captivates the audience. You demand attention by giving it. Use your body to help you get your point across. There are studies that have proven gestures are directly connected to language and affective communicators use all the tools available. Waving your hand, snapping your fingers or stomping your foot can be just the added effect you need to make your message clear.

Keep it simple. Don't try to roll a handful of thoughts into one breath. Break up your ideas-they will be easier to comprehend. Direct statements work well, allowing your audience to digest as you speak instead of refiguring your point when you're done. Speaking concisely also promotes interest and makes your message more listener-friendly.

Leave out hesitation. Thinking before you speak will help to curb this tiresome habit. Imagine, the complexities of algebra formulas are no more interesting when they are spoken in monotone and punctuated with a flurry of ums and uhs. Confidence in what you're saying brings validity to your words and ensures the listener that you mean what you say.

Watch your body language. Just as important as using gestures, it's important not to convey messages that could foil your attempts to communicate. Leave out sarcastic eye rolling and listless sighs. This sort of behavior is like throwing up roadblocks on the roads of communication.

Understand that hearing is half of being heard. Communication implies an interchange of thought. By listening to people and the world around you, you can discern what is comprehensible by what you take in. Another advantage to listening is that whom you're listening to will be more apt to listen to you. You would be surprised to know that one of the biggest reasons people don't communicate is that the listener isn't listening. Often our minds race ahead by planning what we want to say next, all the while ignoring what is presently being said.

Communicating your ideas isn't easy, but making a connection with someone is well worth the energies used. When a connection is made, the floodgates of knowledge open side.