The first step is to have some face-to-face communication! Email/chat has
overwhelmed our workplace communication methods. We couldn’t work without
the speed and immediacy that electronic communications provide. But — the big
but — is that “e-mail,” by definition, is just words, making this form of
communication much more easily misunderstood than face-to-face conversation.
Over 90% of meaning comes from something other than the words themselves — 55%
comes from facial and body language and 38% comes from vocal inflection. So
choose wisely. Meet face-to-face if there is conflict, if the issue is
potentially sensitive, or if your real intent is to build relationships.
Then, use that 90% well! Be aware of both your body language and the body
language of your conversation partner. Facial expressions are universal, but
body language, eye contact and intonation can be interpreted very differently
across cultures. Are you conveying interest, openness and attention? Your stance
and the way you move can help convey a sense of connection. The non-verbal
actions can “fit” the words and reinforce the spoken message, or completely
negate it. Are you saying “yes” and shaking your head “no”?
Remember the goal is to express your ideas in a manner that will be understood. You
intend one message. Is that the message received? Don’t assume. We all have
filters and biases that influence interpretation. Check out your own
assumptions. And clarify the message being received. Take responsibility for the
message that is actually received.
As we are spending less time face-to-face
in workplaces, make it work for you!
Source:http://www.mosaiconline.ca/3-tips-to-improve-face-to-face-communication-in-the-workplace/?gclid=CJXD1_js0rQCFagn4god6WkAtQ
overwhelmed our workplace communication methods. We couldn’t work without
the speed and immediacy that electronic communications provide. But — the big
but — is that “e-mail,” by definition, is just words, making this form of
communication much more easily misunderstood than face-to-face conversation.
Over 90% of meaning comes from something other than the words themselves — 55%
comes from facial and body language and 38% comes from vocal inflection. So
choose wisely. Meet face-to-face if there is conflict, if the issue is
potentially sensitive, or if your real intent is to build relationships.
Then, use that 90% well! Be aware of both your body language and the body
language of your conversation partner. Facial expressions are universal, but
body language, eye contact and intonation can be interpreted very differently
across cultures. Are you conveying interest, openness and attention? Your stance
and the way you move can help convey a sense of connection. The non-verbal
actions can “fit” the words and reinforce the spoken message, or completely
negate it. Are you saying “yes” and shaking your head “no”?
Remember the goal is to express your ideas in a manner that will be understood. You
intend one message. Is that the message received? Don’t assume. We all have
filters and biases that influence interpretation. Check out your own
assumptions. And clarify the message being received. Take responsibility for the
message that is actually received.
As we are spending less time face-to-face
in workplaces, make it work for you!
Source:http://www.mosaiconline.ca/3-tips-to-improve-face-to-face-communication-in-the-workplace/?gclid=CJXD1_js0rQCFagn4god6WkAtQ