effevtive workplace communication
TRANSCRIPT
Communication (from Latin commūnicāre, meaning "to share”)
the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else
Merriam - Webster
In order to communicate properly one needs to know who to communicate with and how.
So, who is a stakeholder?
‘one who holds the beef’“Newlog Write”
A person or an organization with a legitimate interest in a given situation, action or enterprise.
CustomerA person who engages in some sort of interaction with others.
It creates a common understanding of an idea, expectation or an opinion in order to get things done (and done properly).
Effective communication is the tool that builds understanding, reduces opposition based on ‘fear of the unknown’ and generates a framework for success*
Different “languages” are used by different people within and outside an organization, at different managerial
levels and with different responsibilities
Communicating effectively is a skilled art that needs practice and you need to speak in the language of the
listener to achieve the greatest effect. *
Understanding who are the key stakeholders at ‘Every point in time’ that you need to influence;
Understanding their needs and the best way to communicate with them;
Communicating the appropriate amount of information in a way that can be understood by the stakeholder;
Taking the time to help the person reach a proper understanding.
Understanding how often you need to communicate with whom
1. Conceptualizing your Message with Clarity:
2. Understand the Other’s Paradigm3. Recognize Barriers to Communication4. Communication is a Partnership5. Communicate Clearly, Concisely and Coherently6. Appropriate use of Tone and Body Language7. Conviction & Passion Persuades8. Eliciting Feedback9. Reflecting on the Feedback10.Effective Listening11.Awareness of Cultural Diversity12.Silence.
Conceptualizing your Message with Clarity:
Every time you have to communicate to a
stakeholder or your colleagues, ask yourself if you are
clear about the message you want to
communicate. Remember, your message does not
involve just words, it includes feelings and emotions
surrounding the situation about which you are
communicating. Proactively choose the emotion
you want to convey through your message.
Understand the Other’s Paradigm:
The objective of effective communication,
especially in a workplace, is to ensure that the
receiver perceives the message the way you
intend. So, if the onus is on the
communicator, then it is imperative that the
communicator understands the receiver’s
world. The more you understand their
paradigm, the easier it is to communicate the
message in a fashion they understand.
Recognize Barriers to Communication:
In today’s globalized work scenario, there is a
mélange of barriers that impedes effective
communication. Top most on this list, is
the cultural barrier. It is impossible to
understand another’s culture totally but you
can strive to understand the receiver’s world.
Understand how your communication needs
to be altered to get the desired result.
Communication is a Partnership:
Establishing trust and rapport positively impacts the
effectiveness of communication as it permits the
communicators to be relaxed and comfortable. While
communicating ‘Make eye contact’, observe closely the
other person’s body language and mirror it by altering
your own. When you are the listener, encourage the
speaker with positive body language that expresses
interest.
Communicate Clearly, Concisely & Coherently:
Avoid ambiguous words and phrases and ensure
clear diction and inflection. Avoid slang, be
brief, be precise, and know when to repeat
yourself.
Resist the temptation to say or write more.
Information overload is a sure recipe for
miscommunication and confusion. Stick to the
central theme of your message.
Appropriate use of Tone and Body Language:
Be sure your facial expressions, gestures and other non-
verbal cues suggest the appropriate emotion that you want
to convey. The most important aspect of the non-verbal
cue is your tone of voice. Not what you say, but how you
say it! Be aware of the pitch and rate of speech that can
determine the emotions you convey through your voice. In
written communication, choice of words determines the
tone of the message. Be sensitive to how the reader may
perceive your message.
Conviction & Passion Persuades:
Messages that require people to take action,
especially when it is against what the listener
believes in, are fueled by the conviction and
passion with which your message is
communicated. Here usage of appropriate
metaphors can, not just add beauty to your
speech but also can be persuasive. Infect your
receiver with the desired feeling…
Eliciting Feedback:
Ensure your communication includes requests for
feedback. Inquire to finds out if you were able to
get your message across authentically. Here, the
objective of feedback is primarily to check
their understanding of your message. If they
did not understand you, you can alter your
communication to establish complete
comprehension. Don’t assume you were
understood…
Effective Listening:
Listening plays a more significant role in communication
than spoken communication. Always listen with an open
mind. You do not have to agree to what is being said
but it is important to understand what is being said.
Active listening includes questioning, paraphrasing and
summarizing the message. While listening to messages
with high emotional content, practice reflective listening.
This enhances the relationship as you display empathy
when using reflective listening.
Reflecting on the Feedback:
Your success in workplace communication hinges
on the whole-hearted attempts you make on
establishing win-win outcomes. This is only possible
when you reflect on the feedback you receive from the
other person.
Do not allow critical feedback and criticisms,
which are just part and parcel of any working
environment, to affect you negatively. Always look
at the bigger picture.
If you have to convey a critical feedback, ensure it
addresses the issue and not the person.
We need to recognise that people come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and with them they bring a variety of different values, attitudes and beliefs.
All staff need to be non judgemental, respectful and tolerant of each other’s differences.
When communicating with people from other backgrounds care needs to be taken to ensure that cultural differences in both verbal and nonverbal communication are considered.
Tips for Effective Workplace Communication-11
Silence can be an effective communication tool.
What can silence be use for?
To enhance messages
To draw listener’s attention to what you will say next
To express astonishment or disgust when giving feedback
To replace the “um”s and “ah”s in your train of thought
Tips for Effective Workplace Communication-12
Treat all fellow workers with respect and dignity
Follow workplace protocol and regulations
Consider your body language when dealing with others
Know what is the best way to deliver a message (verbal ornon verbal)
questions???
Contributions...
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today
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