Tweet

Communications Tips

Written by: Glenn Ebersole

Article Overview: "The Greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished." George Bernard Shaw The great quote by George Bernard Shaw confirms what I have experienced in my 35 plus year career. And in my past 23 years in my own business, I cannot think of a single instance where "communication" was not listed as a problem, challenge, frustration, irritant, etc. in the focus groups, discussion groups and other strategic planning endeavors I have conducted. Communication is a challenge. And it is an opportunity for very positive impressions if one works at doing it effectively.

Communications Tips

Communications Tips
By: J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr., Chief Executive of J. G. Ebersole Associates and The Renaissance Group™

"The Greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished."
George Bernard Shaw

The great quote by George Bernard Shaw confirms what I have experienced in my 35 plus year career. And in my past 23 years in my own business, I cannot think of a single instance where "communication" was not listed as a problem, challenge, frustration, irritant, etc. in the focus groups, discussion groups and other strategic planning endeavors I have conducted. Communication is a challenge. And it is an opportunity for very positive impressions if one works at doing it effectively.

And let's remember that communications involves listening and hearing also. I have seen and heard a multitude of slogans and communication campaigns that tout a company, organization or individual as a good listener. Well, I also want to know if they hear as well as they listen. Yes, we need to hear what someone is saying also.

In searching for some quick tips to share with you on communications, I found the following:

Quick Tips For Effective Communication
The Top Ten List from www.advocacyguru.com

Know What You Want
Know Who To Ask
Know What You're Talking About
Be Polite, Personal, Thoughtful, and Rational
Pick a Method of Communication that Works for You and Your Message
Know When to Ask
Don't Underestimate the Value of Staff
Follow Up
Understand the Limitations of the System
Have fun!
Ten Rules For Effective Listening

From Dr Philip E. Humbert, author, speaker and personal success coach. Dr Humbert has hundreds of tips, tools and articles on his website that you can use for your own success! It's a great resource! Visit him on the web at: www.philiphumbert.com And, be sure to sign up for his great newsletter!

Listening, really listening, with our whole being, is a skill and one of the most important compliments we can give another human being. The following 10 "rules" can help.

Stop Talking! It is difficult to listen and speak at the same time.
Put the other person at ease. Give them space and time and "permission" to speak their peace. How we look at them, how we stand or sit, makes a huge difference. Relax, and let them relax as well.
Show the other person that you want to hear them. Look at them. Nod when you can agree, ask them to explain further if you don't understand. Listen to understand them and their words, rather than just for your turn.
Remove distractions. Good listening means being willing to turn off the TV, close a door, or stop reading your mail. Give the speaker your full attention, and let them know they are getting your full attention.
Empathize with the other person. Especially if they are telling you something personal or painful, or something you intensely disagree with, take a moment to stand in their shoes, to look at the situation from their point of view.
Be patient. Some people take longer to find the right word, to make a point or clarify an issue. Give the speaker time to get it all out before you jump in with your reply.
Watch your own emotions. If what they are saying creates an emotional response in you, be extra careful to listen carefully, with attention to the intent and full meaning of their words. When we are angry, frightened or upset, we often miss critical parts of what is being said to us.
Be very slow to disagree, criticize or argue. Even if you disagree, let them have their point of view. If you respond in a way that makes the other person defensive, even if you "win" the argument, you may lose something far more valuable!
Ask lots of questions. Ask the speaker to clarify, to say more, give an example, or explain further. It will help them speak more precisely and it will help you hear and understand them more accurately.
STOP TALKING! This is both the first and the last point, because all other tools depend on it. Nature gave us two ears and only one tongue, which is a gentle hint that we should listen twice as much as we talk.
If you want to improve your communication, listening and hearing skills, please contact Glenn Ebersole @ jgeprman@aol.com. about my coaching services in this area.

Related Articles
  Effective Business Communication Tips
  “Ten Tips For Nonverbal Communications From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach ”
  “Powerful Communication Tips For Managers and Supervisors, From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach”
  Strategic Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach To Improve Personal Communications
  Twelve Tips For Strategic Business Communications According To Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
Business Tips - How about: Tips for managers to handle employees more effectively? Tips on how to deal with difficult customers? Tips on how to deal more effectively with suppliers? The only three I have in mind right now, but will try to come up with something else. Chris
7 words or less for Structogram - Some "7 words or less" (more or less) for Structogram for your comments: Training to get your message across(6) Secrets to get your message across (6) Training so people will listen to you (7) Helping you get your message across (6) Training to learn to get your message across (8) Communications training for yourself and your team (7)
Need a book recommendation for writing better - I'm always looking for ways to improve my writing skills, so I was just wondering if anyone could recommend a good copywriting or copyediting book? I was actually thinking of reading "The Copywriter's Handbook : A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Copy That Sells" by Robert W Bly [u:w3cg00nn]OR[/u:w3cg00nn] "The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and Corporate Communications" by Amy Einsohn. Would anyone know if these books are any good? Thanks
Re: Using Craigslist SEO to Promote Your Website - Great Craiglist Tips for driving traffic. I can definitely use these to drive traffic to my blog.
Answering the phone - I receive all calls on my cell (business and personal) so I answer Maja Rehou. It is now an ongoing joke with family members who respond with their first and last name as well. I answer this way because the person calling might be a new customer calling for WordForce and just stating my first name may confuse them. As well, I feel first name only is to familiar and I want the business to be presented on a more professional level. If I knew everyone calling knew me personally and that I represented the WordForce brand then I would have no problem answering with Maja. Since Evan is his brand, his tactic wouldn't lead to any confusion as it might with me. Now this has me thinking Louis maybe I should start answering: WordForce Communications, Maja speaking. Thanks for the tip. I'm open to any other suggestions for this dilemma. My outgoing message is a complete other story. I use it as a sales tool. What types of outgoing messages do others have. I'd be interested to hear.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Why We MUST Reinvent The Wheel

Remind Me...

Igniting Your Unstoppable Business Destiny

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.