The way you say it

How many times it happened,

That, your meeting just overrun.

That, you are very excited about a topic but get an ice-cold response from your partner or friend when you share it.

That, the first 10 mins of a meeting you schedule revolves around personal matters

That, you wonder why it is taking longer to come to the point in a discussion.

If you think this had happened to you, then this blog is for you. After you read this,  you will be able to see the communication in a different light.

Communications is fundamental to the existence and survival of humans as well as to an organization.  But what exactly is communication?

 Communication is a process of creating and sharing ideas, information, views, facts, feelings, etc. among the people to reach a common understanding. And communication skills... it’s the ability to impart knowledge in ways that are understandable for recipients. There is a common understanding that “Good communication is the key to success.” But we can refine it a bit “Good communication is good, but clear communication is the key to success”.

But How can we make our communication clear? By clearing throat, by using flowery language. No.. The mantra for it is simple it is in the communication style. Communication styles are the broad ways in which people tend to communicate with others.

When I sat down to write this speech, my friend called me. He started sharing the work pressure and tensions. This went for an hour an half. And I just listen and sometimes asking some questions. I chose to listen, why?... For peace... Not exactly... that’s major because of my communication style. A mix of Supportive and Analytical. As a supportive communicator generally I’m an active listener. The questions come from my analytical side, trying to be a problem solver.  This usually works better in my conversation with my friends.

The supportive communicators are usually patient and people-friendly. The supportive communicator looks for a purpose and tends to ask “why” more, like, why are we doing this. Those who were in the executive council in the last 4 terms might have heard it often in the EC meetings. That’s a characteristic of those Supportive communicators.

The picture changes when it comes to the office. I work horizontally and have to do work with 3 managers.  The other day I was presenting a business improvement idea to one of them. The proposal was on the way we can optimize efforts on user queries and effort reduction. I started with the way we capture queries and then on how to analyses those queries, the tools we have, and on an on. He becomes impatient and cut me short. That was not what he was looking for. He wants bullet points and a timeline. Like an eagle, we need things to be move faster and quickly reach new heights. These are the characteristics of a Direct communicator. When speaking with them, start with the conclusion.

I was welcomed with tons of questions when I presented bullet points to the second manager. He wants details of each and every task, step by step I have to explain it. And also backup plan when plan A goes wrong. Oh, boys that were a tough meeting. Like an Owl, they are observant. they need details. Be ready with a detailed plan when you talk to such people.

The meeting with the third manager was the one which usually goes forever and overruns every time. We both are a supportive communicator. Like a Dove, We are considerate patient and people-friendly. The word “We” usually comes in the conversation. Speaking with these types of communicators, be relaxed, logical, and people-friendly. In communication, they tend to be a patient, sympathetic, and active listener.

The style of communication developed over the years through all the experiences, observations, and learning you went through. The style of communication is easy to understand by listening to others. Pause a listen, whether the one you are communicating is of an Eagle nature or an Owl nature or of the nature of Dove. That’s the simple mantra. Tailor your current. That makes you communication clear.

Clear communication creates accountability, builds a positive, trusting environment, avoids confusion, and provides a guiding source of vision. Whether you are a business owner, a CEO, or a freelancer, developing clear communication skills will serve to grow your business ideas, interpersonal skills, enhance your leadership, and fast track your success. The way you say it matters.