9 tips for effective communication

When it comes to communication at work, every word counts. How you relay your message can mean the difference between a well-oiled workplace machine and a group of disgruntled employees trying their best to undermine your organization. Here are nine best practices for communicating at work, adapted from Forbes.

1. Be direct. Vagueness is both unhelpful and confusing.

2. Get to the point right away. Say what you mean first, then go into the details.

3. Pay attention to your listener. Not doing so indicates you may not care about either what you're saying or who you're saying it to.

4. Consider your attitude, not just your words. Your physical conveyance of what you're saying is as important as the content of the message itself.

5. Ask open-ended questions to avoid directing the conversation and discouraging open communication.

6. Don't trash-talk. It identifies you as someone who can't be trusted.

7. Deliver negative messages directly. The longer you wait to get to the point, the harder it is to deal with the aftermath.

8. Deliver bad news face-to-face.

9. Frame disagreements as questions. Not only will this avoid unnecessary conflict, but it will also help you better understand points of contention and more quickly come to an agreement.

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