- Who is your message for?
- What is its purpose?
- How do you want it to sound?
- Will they find and understand the information they need?
- Will they know what you want them to do next?
Tips:
Remember communication is both verbal and non-verbal; be conscious and try to ensure that your non-verbal and verbal messages are saying the same thing.
Listen and hear what is being communicated. Much conflict results from poor listening. Repeat what you hear to confirm the accuracy of the information you have heard.
Ask questions and let others talk. Asking questions allows you to hear the information in a different way or just hear it again. Dominating a conversation becomes a monologue, not a conversation .
Engage in Difficult Conversations When necessary. Not saying something doesn't make a situation go away and can cause more stress in the long run. Write down the important points in order to feel comfortable about what you have to say. Try to use a tone that is open and non-confrontational in order to encourage feedback from the other person.
