COMMUNICATE  Well –

        The English language is the link language for many people today. For many people, it is their second or even their third language.

        Thanks to our electronic age,  communications are changing the way we work.

        More and more people are changing countries. Very often they come as refugees or as migrants looking for a better life.

        Take care with your messages if you want to be understood.

        To get your ideas accepted by people keep to basic communication skills. These skills are simple but are often forgotten.

A Handful of Tips to improve your messages

* Talk their language

        There are many forms of the English language spoken in different countries.

        Use words that are understood by the people you are communicating with.  Take care you don’t use words, or jargon, native to your country that others may not understand.  

* What do people want to know?

        It’s what people want to know that’s important, not necessarily what you think they want to know.   

        Find out what is worrying them. Be patient and tolerant of their concerns and complaints.

        Find out where people get their ideas and information from and target these places.

* Check you are being understood

        Ask simple questions. for asking questions like ‘What?’, ‘Why?’, ‘When?’, ‘Where?’, ‘How?’, and ‘How much?’.  Don’t give up until you get a satisfactory answer.

        Communication must be a two-way affair. Effective communication begins when people start asking questions.

        Don’t be in a hurry to impose your ideas until you have consulted with others. When people are consulted they will support changes more readily. So involve them in discussions and decision-making.

*  Listen carefully

        People are more receptive to information when they are fresh and alert. Make your timing a consideration.

        You will please more people by listening to them than by talking to them. Give them your undivided attention and they will often give you new information.

*  Make your writing easy to read

        Choose simple words. Use the smallest word you can find that has the right meaning.

        Choose your words carefully – to express, not to impress.

        Use short sentences and short paragraphs with plenty of sub-headings and white spacing.

        Edit heavily. Removing jargon and words that some people may not understand.

        You are more likely to have your words shared and translated if you follow these simple recommendations.

        From today, aim to keep all your messages simple and clear. You will be well rewarded.

-Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Leave unmentioned what people already know. Tell them something new.”

SOURCE: “Persuasive Ways” published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House and as “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia. Also published in Hungarian as “Getting Your Ideas Across” by  Bagolyvar Kft, Budapest and by Kogan Page Ltd., U.K.

Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com.