TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1 showed the process of communication to be relatively straightforward. All you need to do is:
know what you want to communicate
consider the needs of who you're communicating with
choose an appropriate method or channel'
identify how you will get feedback.
However, as this section has shown, there are many factors which influence communication. The more sensitive you are to these, the more effective at communicating you will become.
In their book Shut Up and Listen! [7] Theobald and Cooper put forward the following six simple strategies for improving the way you communicate. You may find it useful as a checklist to refer to.
Think about your audience This is about putting yourself in the shoes of your audience and being sensitive to how they will receive the messages you send.
Convey conviction A message backed up with conviction and passion is infinitely stronger than a half-hearted message. Conviction is not something you can unleash when required. You need to check that you really are convinced before you start.
Shut up and listen' Probably the hardest strategy to practise. Listening gives you thinking time, as well as being courteous and avoiding instances when you speak without having all the facts to hand.
Stay conscious think and plan The more you engage your brain thinking about and planning how to communicate the more effective you'll be. Planning communication isn't a one-off activity; ideally it becomes a state...
