To enhance your communication effectiveness, ensure that your message has three core elements: make it conscious, clear, and compelling.
Think before you speak. Make sure you know what you want to convey, and then decide how you want to convey it. Take the time to identify the following:
Build your message around your purpose and eliminate any background noise that would detract from it. Focus your efforts on eliminating the following bad habits from your day-to-day conversations:
Much of our communication is focused on our interests. It is equally important to consider the goals of your audience. If you want to be heard, do the following instead:
From: “I want to show you the right way to fill out the report summary, so I don’t have to keep going back and fixing your mistakes.”
To: “I’d like to show you an easier way to fill out the summary report sheet that will help save you time and reduce potential errors.”
Communication, as a vital component of all tasks and relationships, is nuanced, flexible, and ever-evolving. When you invest the time into tailoring your messages to be conscious, clear, and compelling, you will boost efficiency and precision. Additionally, effective communication helps build trust and respect in your relationships, which can translate into immeasurable gains. Think about where you can apply the 3 Cs today and improve your communication.
Melissa Christenson, president of Creative Training Resources (CTR), has over 30 years of experience designing and delivering communication and management training. CTR’s Giving and Receiving Quality Feedback is available in virtual and in-person formats.