Getting Your Message Across

There's more to getting your message across than simply stating it within hearing distance of your listener. Here's how you can improve the likelihood that you'll be heard.

Create a Positive Atmosphere

• Show others they can trust you, that you won't embarrass them or use their words against them.
• Avoid judging people's opinions unnecessarily.
• Give praise and positive feedback regularly.

Organize Your Thoughts

• Do your homework: Know the subject you're presenting including its pros and cons thoroughly.
• Be as specific and accurate as possible when presenting ideas or information.

Adjust to the Listener

• Check out your assumptions about what the other person already knows.
• Avoid letting communication shut down because one person doesn't understand the other.
• Avoid jargon. Use appropriate language: Consider the person's background, ability, age, work experience, etc.
• Pick an appropriate time and place so the listener can hear and respond without being distracted. If the subject is personal, find a private place.

Invite Response

• "What do you think of this?"
• "Tell me how you interpret what I just said."
• "How do you feel about that?"

Be Aware of the Unspoken

If tone and body language give a different message than your words, it can distort your intent. Consider these unspoken messages, both in yourself and in others:

Tone of Voice

• urgency
• hesitancy
• stammering
• belligerence
• amusement
• whispering

Body Language

• avoiding eye contact
• arms folded protectively
• nervous fidgeting
• leaning forward aggressively

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