Page 95 - OHS, July/August 2021

coaching or providing constructive criticism. The implication also is that you are weighing the evidence and considering your message. So, the person who pauses and speaks at a slower pace tends to be perceived as more intelligent, thoughtful and deliberate. His or her message carries more weight and tends to garner greater acceptance.
Here’s a few effective verbal communication strategies:
■ Create an open work environment to foster good working relationships. Exhibit undivided attention to the people with whom you are conversing. Avoid trying to communicate in busy and noisy places.
■ Focus on the issue, not people. Avoid taking things personally. Try to resolve issues amicably. Express needs and/or opinions in terms of the work at hand. Constructive criticism should be directed at the work and not the worker’s personality.
■ How one feels toward people will easily manifest itself in one’s demeanor and will readily be picked up by them. When dealing with people, it is important to demonstrate sensitivity.
■ Demonstrate flexibility when dealing with others. Respond in ways that acknowledge their knowledge and experience. Treat people fairly and with respect. Thank them for their input.
■ Good listening skills and showing a genuine interest are attributes of a successful communicator. Actively listening to people creates an atmosphere of trust and respect, enhancing communication.
■ Be concise, use clear language, listen for feedback and pay attention to body language and tone of voice.
Conclusion
We become better communicators when we devise messages that elicit the response we expect or desire from recipients. To accomplish this effectively, we need to thoroughly understand the communication process and its inherent barriers. If we do not elicit the anticipated response, we need to be able to modify the message to facilitate its understanding. We also need to be able to recognize the effect our messages can have on the recipient and how to structure them so the effect is as positive as possible. To communicate effectively, we also need to actively seek out feedback as well as build relationships so as to enhance the overall communication process.
Communication skills are critical in everything we do. How well we communicate and how effective our communication determines, to a great extent, how successful we are in our professional or personal lives. The ability to convey knowledge is power. What we think or know only becomes powerful if we can pass it along to others so that they may use it to better their circumstances or those of their organization.
Peter G. Furst is the president of The Furst Group which is an Organizational & Human Performance Consultancy.
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