Learn what the art of communication is, and how we best express it. Continue to read to understand how to make a clear point, while also putting your personal style into your wording. We will look at what the foundation is and how to add color to make your sentences uniquely yours.
A solid foundation
Communication is the foundation of smooth business. Rather, it’s as if it is the force that keeps the foundation solid. Although, trying too hard is often what make things crumble. The best way to keep your communication both concise, and clear is to be your true, authentic self. That is why the art of communication does not evolve around sofisticated, and advanced words.
Rather, it comes down to having a wide paint palette to paint the walls and later decorate, what you want to build on top of the foundation. You would want to place each decorative piece where it fits naturally; not where you put that piece “just because“.
Regardless of what your are writing, or speaking about, your wording makes all the difference. No matter whether you are writing a cover letter, or a company’s annual report, or making a presentation, your wording makes an impact on the reader. The reader will see right through any pretense, and that is why you have to find your own, honest way. So make sure your foundation is solid and sincere, before you get out your palette of words to support the point that you are making.
When to reach for the palette
I was once asked, how to best get your point across. Ofcourse you want the listener/reader to focus on the point you want to make. How do you motivate someone to focus? It’s not just a matter of making an interesting notion. Before I continue explaining, I want to remind you that interesting and entertaining are two very different words. Do you see the difference? Interesting, simply means that your statement catches another person’s attention; not something that necessarily is amusing (entertaining).
Stay on point, don’t start talking about side notes. In other words, don’t get sidetracked. Spontaneity is an odd element to communication. It is so easy to go off track. We have all been there. When we have to react fast, as in a conversation, you have to try to avoid overcomplicating things.
One thing that I practice in my thinking pattern, is to figure out what the essence of my point is. Then I try to say it in as few words as possible. Then I think of ways to emphasize my point and that is when I reach for my palette.
How to proceed
I ask myself these questions, and I encourage you to ask yourself as well:
- What do I want to say?
- Is my sentence incomplete? Is something missing?
- Would an added word emphasize my point?
- Is my wording clear and concise?
- Are there any unnecessary filling words?
- Am I saying too much in a short amount of time?
- Am I distracting the reader or listener with excess information?
When you are done asking those questions, you will have a very clear message to give. If you ask yourself those questions in advance of your writing or speaking, you get into the routine of being concise in the moment when, you are having a sudden conversation. Asking these questions can make even the most excellent English-speakers more familiar with the language. This is because this exercise forces us to distinguish words from one another and to find the most accurate word(s).
You should also think about what words resonate the most with you. This is not a matter of using complex words. It is a matter of choosing the words that are naturally you and that reflect who you are. Even an annual report, which has to be professional and objective is a product of your choice of words.