Since we’re all about communicating better, we thought we’d share this quick list of tips to communicate better at work from U.S. News. It’s all about respect, professionalism and personal connections.
1. Listen carefully.
It’s impossible to understand what someone needs or wants if we don’t give them our undivided attention. Don’t interrupt, prepare a response, or assume you know what they’ll say next.
2. Pay attention to body language.
Body language can tell you just as much as what a person says, if not more. Observe how people act when they talk to you to see if you can glean more information.
3. Contact people the way they prefer.
Respect the person you’re trying to contact and use the method they prefer – email, phone, im. If you’ve tried several times and the person isn’t responsive, switch it up.
4. Consider your tone.
The reader decides the tone of written communications. Make sure your language is clear and friendly, or you could cause an unintended reaction from the recipient.
5. Keep it professional.
Keep the cursing for after hours, and make sure your emails, meetings, and phone calls are professional. Being too casual on the job may make others feel uncomfortable.
6. Check grammar.
Spell check is your best friend. Always proofread what you type – be it an email, tweet, or instant message. If you’re not great at catching errors, ask someone to proof it for you.
7. Keep criticism constructive.
Work to ensure your comments aren’t emotionally charged, and that the person you’re speaking with grasps what you’re trying to say. Provide positive reinforcement as well.
8. Restate what you hear.
Rephrasing and repeating the important points shows you’re listening and understand what you were told. It gives both parties a chance to clarify if there is any confusion.
9. Get a little bit personal.
Ask about people’s family and their interests outside work. Find ways to interact on a personal level without going too far. You’ll go a long way toward building trust.
10. Never stop improving.
Effective communication is a skill you have to practice. Observe how others respond to your communication to clue you in on areas for improvement.
If you’re using digital signage for your business communications, you can download these quick tips and other free messages to use on your screens. Feel free to share them on your intranet or social sites, or just use them as wallpapers to keep your communication skills sharp.
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If you’d like to find out how digital signage can help you communicate better at work, contact us.