Communicate for success

What do most people do? Communicate or complicate?

Communication in modern society has become a passion and for some, a fashion. There are organisations which teach the fundamentals of communication and offer training and skills development. But most people who are good at it are people who have mastered the art of communication through self -skill development. It's a known fact that good communicators have an edge over the rest.

Common mistakes made by business leaders and academics

Most people seem to think it's necessary to use big words, technical terms and complicated sentences to make themselves sound knowledgeable and subject matter experts - not bothering whether the listener understands or not.

Many of our local business leaders and academics often use some kind of jargon and terms that are unheard of or rarely used.

What happens as a result is that you compromise on clarity and content in your bid to show off your language proficiency. The fastest way to put your listener to sleep or completely get disconnected is to talk to him in a language he doesn't understand.

This has become a common issue in Sri Lanka today. Sadly, this trend misleads the younger generation.

Common understanding is the key in business

A major problem of communicating, particularly in the business world is simply understanding what the other person says in the right context. People working in companies and industries often just don't speak the same language. Even within the same company, I have come across a lack of understanding and misinterpretation across the hierarchy. The lack of communication causes many operational issues which lead to under-performance. The cost of 'lack of communication' can be huge, though not measured or quantified by most organisations.

Art of communication

The most effective messages are those that reach the heart of the listener. Emotions cause change. If you can appeal to the emotions of your listener he will become more receptive to your words. Think in pictures and use descriptive words your listener will remember which can influence the listener's thinking over a longer period of time.

To illustrate your point, use stories that your listener can relate to or identify with. This also helps the speaker to deliver with more conviction and confidence The more you are able to occupy the listener's mind, the greater the chance of causing the anticipated change or getting a decision in your favour. When you communicate, you want your listener to 'see' as well as 'hear' what you are saying. If not the specific goal of communication at the time cannot be achieved.

End game is, call for action

A message without a specific request is a wasted opportunity. If you don't ask for something specific the chances are that you will get nothing.

It all boils down to one practicality you know of; if you don't ask, you don't get. In communicating, to determine the ending that best fits with the objective of your message, simply ask yourself, "What do I want from my listener?" the answer to that question should be your ending. It can be a demand for action or a demand for re-action.

Be careful not to emulate the wrong person

The younger generation has a habit of emulating people in everything they do.

While learning from others is a good thing and a short cut to success, you need to decide on the right person to follow. Don't be overwhelmed by the style, accent or the vocabulary used but carefully follow the content and context to ensure that it makes sense to the targeted listener.

If you want to be a good communicator; be brief, simple, descriptive, relevant, powerful, emotional, persuasive and respectful to the listener - ensure that your communication offers value to the listener and never make the listener uncomfortable or embarrassed.