How To Effectively Communicate With Your Coworkers
- January 14, 2008
- 1,655 Views
When you say, “With all due respect,” do your colleagues hear, “Jane, you ignorant slut?” Then you need a crash course in diplomacy.
You Will Need
- Thoughtfulness
- Brevity
- Open body language
- Tact
- Politeness
Step 1: Slow down
Slow down. People who speak slowly and wait a beat before answering a question are perceived as more intelligent than fast talkers. Talking slowly also helps avoid misunderstandings and gives the listener the impression that you’re carefully considering what you’re saying.
Step 2: Be brief
Be brief. Research shows that people get bored and begin tuning you out after seven sentences.
Make eye contact, but not constant eye contact. Looking someone in the eye longer than five seconds at a time can seem creepy.
Step 3: Use their name
When you speak to coworkers, drop their name into the conversation. They’ll listen more closely and perceive you as smart and friendly.
More than 80% of communication is nonverbal, so keep an open posture—unfolded arms, palms exposed, uncrossed legs.
Step 4: Choose your words
The word “but,” as in, “I understand what you’re saying, but I don’t think it could work,” makes people defensive. Replace it with “and,” as in, “I understand what you’re doing, and don’t think it could work.” You’re still saying the same thing.
Step 5: Be appreciative
Liberally use the word “appreciate,” as in “I would really appreciate it if you…” as opposed to just “Could you…?” In one study, doing so persuaded people to do a favor 80% of the time, as opposed to 55% when it wasn’t used.
According to one survey, 90% of us think we’re good communicators—but only 41% of us think others are!
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