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13. Communication Resolutions for a New Year
- Rutgers University Press
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Chapter 13 COMMUNICATION RESOLUTIONS FOR A NEW YEAR Making resolutions is a great way to start a new year, but any day is a good day for deciding to become a more effective communicator. How, you ask? One step at a time. Today, resolve to: • Be more honest and candid. We’re not talking about being mean or going out of your way to be hurtful. Rather, this is about being more up front so you don’t have to keep track of all those little white lies. For example, at work if you haven’t returned a call or taken care of a certain project because you have been swamped, don’t say, “Your message got lost,” or “We’re having problems with our computers.” Instead, say, “I’ve really been swamped, and I haven’t had a chance to get to the project but I’ll have it to you by Friday.” • Become a more attentive listener. Next time you’re in a meeting or conversation or any situation where you should be listening —concentrate more. Try to eliminate distractions and give yourself a reason to listen. Fight the urge to interrupt and finish other people’s sentences.You’ll be amazed at the results. • Cut back on how often you interrupt people. The key is to practice identifying a reason to actually listen and then becoming just a bit more patient. Hear yourself interrupting in your head, but hold back from actually doing it. This is all about practicing a new behavior. Once you do it enough it starts to become second nature. • Try a more passionate, attention-getting approach in your next presentation. Instead of starting like this: “Good afternoon .I’m here to talk to you about . . .,”begin with a provocative question or statement. The point is to give people a reason to listen and not come across like every other presenter they have ever heard. Communication 101 29 • Get to the point faster and stop beating around the bush. If you hear yourself droning on, stop talking and ask yourself, “What was my point anyway?” Remember, when it comes to communication, brevity is usually the best policy. • Speak in a more conversational tone. No one wants to hear a lecture or even a speech. Instead of a monologue, engage in a dialogue and promise to do less talking and more listening. • Be clearer in the language you use. Instead of saying “I’ll get it done ASAP” or the house “is not too far away,” be specific. Say exactly when you’ll get it done and how far away the house is. Most of us are unaware that the language we use often causes misunderstanding and miscommunication. Instead of blaming that on the other person, take more responsibility for how you communicate. • Be more aware of your eye contact.Next time you are in a conversation or a meeting, concentrate with your eyes on the person who is speaking.Don’t stare to the point of making people uncomfortable, but focus. It will help you to listen. If your eyes are darting all around the room and you are easily distracted , make note of it and the impact it is having on the other person. 30 MAKE THE CONNECTION ...