Better communication, better results

As the month of love draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the journey of learning to be a clearer communicator. At its heart, love is connection. When it comes to expressing ourselves at work, it’s not just about being heard; it's about being understood. Clear communication is the foundation of strong professional relationships and effective collaboration.

To help you improve, I’ve outlined six practical tips that can be applied to common workplace scenarios. By refining your approach with these strategies, you can start explaining yourself more effectively and make your interactions more impactful. Here's how to get started:

1. Align yourself with your values

During presentations or meetings where you're pitching ideas or initiatives, reflect on the “why” behind your message before speaking. Pause and ask yourself: How does this align with my values? When your communication stems from authenticity, your message resonates deeply. For instance, if you’re proposing a cost-cutting measure, tie it to values like efficiency, responsibility, or sustainability. People are drawn to sincerity, and when your words reflect your genuine beliefs, it builds trust and receptivity. 

2. Clarity over cleverness

In the workplace, there’s often a temptation to use jargon or overly complex language to appear more knowledgeable. However, effective communication is not about impressing, it’s about ensuring your message is understood. Instead of saying, “This proposal aims to synergise our departmental objectives for enhanced productivity,” try, “This plan will help our teams collaborate better and get results faster.” Simplicity ensures your message is accessible, saving time and preventing misunderstandings.

3. Speak from their perspective

Whether you’re pitching an idea or making a request, frame your message around the benefits it offers your listener. What’s in it for them? By addressing their concerns and highlighting tangible outcomes, you demonstrate empathy and a collaborative mindset. For example, when proposing a new process, instead of focusing on why you like it, emphasise how it will make the team’s work more efficient.

4. Don’t overshare

While context is important, overloading your audience with excessive details can dilute your core message. Stick to the essential points they need to understand or make a decision. Think of your communication like a headline: What’s the main takeaway? Share that first. Then, if necessary, provide supporting details to address questions or concerns. This approach not only saves time but also ensures your message remains sharp.

5. Leverage familiarity to ease resistance

Let’s face it: introducing new ideas or changes can be met with scepticism. To reduce resistance, link your message to something familiar. Drawing on shared experiences or using analogies to make your point digestible and relatable. For instance, when introducing a new project management tool, you might say, “It’s like Google Calendar but with team coordination features.” By highlighting familiar benefits, you can demonstrate how the change will improve workflow.

6. Embrace dialogue, not domination

Communication in the workplace isn’t a one-way street. Rather than focusing on asserting your viewpoint, invite dialogue and collaboration. Seek input, and be curious about opposing perspectives. Perhaps, during a meeting, you could ask, “What are your thoughts on this?” or “What concerns do you see with this idea?” Shift your mindset from winning the conversation to understanding one another.

As you refine your approach to communication, don’t let that commitment to clarity fade. Remember that each conversation is an opportunity to move towards collective success.

Clear, creative, and impactful communication starts here. For professional writing and communication solutions, email: [email protected]