A Month of Effective Communication Reminders and Strategies

Nancy J. Lewis, MS, SHRM-CP, PHR, RCC

June has been designated as Effective Communications Month. So for this entire month I will talk about this topic. We all know that communication is the basis for everything we do, but we still struggle with doing it effectively. It is vital that effective communication takes place in the workplace as we navigate times of change and uncertainty. There is so much to be said on this topic, but we are going to keep it clear and crisp in nugget bites throughout the month.

So today's nugget is a reminder that there are four elements of effective communication that help improve the two-way information sharing process. These four specific elements involve being concise and clear, practical, factual and persuasive. Of course you may have your own and certainly, if you research this topic you will find a myriad of ways listed. For today, these are the four I am discussing.

Effective communication must be concise and clear using language everyone can understand and saying it as succinctly as possible. Don't tell them how to build a clock when all they asked was the time. In an age where everyone is doing more with less and we are fighting to hold the attention of others, being concise and clear is essential.

Keep your message practical with useful information that will make it easy to understand.

Stick with the facts when communicating and provide specific details and information that is accurate and ethical. If you decide to share your opinion, support it with facts that back it up.

The ability to be persuasive is critical because it influences others and aims at prompting change in the receiver's behaviors, beliefs, values and preferences.

What do you need to do be a more effective communicator? Stay tuned this month for more insights and nuggets of wisdom.