Communications Takes Clarity
© 1998 Rochelle Devereaux
Business Efficacy
"Downsize", "productivity", "vision", "getting the job done". What do all these have in
common? Potential miscommunication. You avoid this problem when you speak or write
clearly and concisely.
Clarity is the key to making things clear; removing confusion. It is also subject to
interpretation.
Business and personal communications require precision. That is easier said than done. Each
person brings their own set of expectations, experiences and personal agendas to every
conversation. If they don't match those of the other participants, miscommunication occurs.
How then, do you overcome the obstacles to clarity?
- Identify your biases: "know thyself" is still the best tool. If you know the things that
interfere with your ability to hear and understand others, you can offset them.
- Listen to others: really hear speakers, concentrate on what they are saying to you
before you start thinking about what you think they mean.
- Just ask: if something doesn't make sense, or you have any doubts about a point, ask
the speaker to rephrase the statement. If you don't, they probably think you
understand.
- Restate what you heard: give the speaker the opportunity to explain any discrepancies
in what you think you heard and what they meant to say.
One of the strongest myths today is that listening is a natural activity. Effective listening is a
learned skill. Our listening style becomes a habit, which like all habits, can be either
productive or ineffective. We start developing our listening habits as children. We watch the
people around us, and mimic their behavior. Some examples are better than others. Certain
techniques work well at one point of our lives, but become dangerous to use later on.
Effective listeners constantly seek out new tools and practice with them. Using the clarity
techniques listed here will give you the edge you need to be an effective and successful
communicator.
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