Linda Henman

ph. 636.537.3774

Tips for Improving Communication 

  1.  Be receiver oriented. Consider how your words will affect the listener, and then choose them accordingly.
  2. Use specific, concrete language. Avoid abstract words that can have myriad meanings since these can cause communication breakdowns.
  3. Send nonjudgmental messages. State the facts, not your inferences or evaluations. Relate what you observed, not your imagined reasons for it.
  4. "Own" your language. Instead of accusing someone of not understanding you, acknowledge that "I didn't state that clearly."
  5. Listen first. Talk second.
  6. Don't interrupt. Pause two seconds after someone finishes before you make a statement.
  7. Ask "how?" "what?' questions to help others develop their ideas.
  8. Send congruent verbal and nonverbal messages.
  9. Be aware of cultural differences such as personal distance, use of time, informality, etc.
  10. Above all, remember, you cannot not communicate.  You are constantly sending and receiving messages, but these transmissions may not be intentional.