In a busy workplace, it’s common that employees and co-workers may be hearing what your saying but not hearing what you are meaning and may misunderstand your message.Cut down on the potential for confusion by remembering these rules for clear speaking and writing:
- Pay attention to tone. Think about how the other person is likely to interpret your words, whether you’re speaking in a meeting or writing an email. Curt commands can imply irritation; jokes can undercut a serious message.
- Clarify your meaning. Employee may be reluctant to admit they don’t understand what you mean. Encourage them to ask questions, and don’t show impatience if they do. Ask them to paraphrase what you’ve said to confirm their comprehension.
- Target a specific objective. A clear objective will help you choose the right words. Decide on what your goal is before speaking or sitting down to write a message. Then listen to yourself (or review your message before sending it) with your objective in mind to ensure you’re getting your point across.
- Stay calm. Don’t let emotions control your message. If you can’t express yourself calmly, wait until you’re able to cool down (or regain your nerve) before attempting to communicate. You’ll prevent lots of problems later.