Make Communication Easier

Communication is garbled and less effective in this mega-information age.

Here’s a way to fix that.

Frame your communications to provide context and perspective

Changing Communication Patterns Cause Confusion

Text messages might be quick, but they lack context, emotion, intent, and clarity.

Emails are often typed out on our phones, leading to shortcuts, typos, and misinterpretation.

Extensive use of social media has stunted our ability to put together meaningful communication. We find ourselves writing to the lowest common denominator and much is lost in translation.

Getting people to read more than a few hundred words is a challenge, yet that’s where the nuances and real communication can take place.

So – what can we do?

“Give people a place to put the information you’re sharing. Think of it as building a shelf in their brain to help them organize and think about what you say.” Rev. CH Terry (my dad)

A brain shelf for communication? That works. Set up a frame to help your listener hear you and think about your message. Make sure you communicate four key things:

Framing a conversation sets the stage for understanding communications

Tell them what you’ll tell them • Tell them • Recap it • Reinforce it

FIRST ~

Tell people the desired outcome. In a performance review, say, “I really want you to succeed in this position…” Now everything you say after that will be viewed with your intention in mind. They aren’t second-guessing you, or thinking they’re fired. “I want this company to do very well.” That’s a sentence you can use as you introduce new strategies. “I want us all to be proud of the conference we are planning.” Each of these set the stage for success.

SECOND ~

The old “what’s in it for me?” rule always applies. ALWAYS. Even selfless people who don’t think they listen for this are just ignoring reality. People need motivation. “Why should I listen? Why should I do this? I have a busy life. I’m tired from work. I have concerns at home. WHY Do I care?”

THIRD ~

Give an overview of next steps. Don’t go into all the details. “Today we’ll review several things we’d like to help you with.” “Let’s make sure we’re all on the same page on logistics for the conference.” Like that. Don’t launch into the logistics. Just tell them what you’re about to do.

FOURTH ~

Tell them why you are doing this. The “why” may or may not be identical to the Desired End Result. “I want you to succeed here.” “I want you to live long enough to see your grandchildren graduate from college!” (What I said to my teenager who was about to get a Driver’s License!**) Make this a motivational, inspirational sentence that leads them into the conversation at hand.

Then go into your carefully thought-out, brilliant, persuasive, organized talk.

For more information on Communication Strategies, contact me and we’ll talk. I have more than 20 different presentations on this topic that is near and dear to my heart!

Blessings,

Beth

** If you would like a copy of the Drivers License Agreement I wrote for my teenagers, please contact me and I’ll happily send it to you for free!

@2018 Beth Terry, CSP • All Right Reserved