This is the age of instant communication, and a good example of it is how within the reach of a click, we can “skype-dive” into the room of someone else, living thousands of kilometers away. Projects flourish every day, coming out of networks of collaborators, scattered in many countries and geographies, permanently engaged in constant processes of communication, via Skype, Whatsapp, Twitter, Facebook, mail.
Due to constant technological innovation, it is now extremely easy to speak to others, regardless of where you are. Who doesn’t recognize this scene: you are sitting at your desk, staring at your laptop. To your right side is your iPhone, on the other side, your tablet. While you check your emails, you suddenly have John on Skype. Then Elise calls you on Facetime, whereas Christian demands your attention by using Sms. How to properly communicate with all these people, that reach out to you, asking you for answers and solutions to different issues, at precisely the same moment?
Technology certainly has improved our lives as it is now possible to connect to people and places worldwide in a quite unimaginable way. But the fundamental question still remains: In order to truly engage in a meaningful process of improving communication you have to pay focused attention to what the other one says. Are you able to do it, while trying to navigate through dozens of different communication platforms?
It is crucial to bear in mind that technology should be used to enable a fruitful dialogue done in a shared way. If you are open to the information coming from the minds of others, you will be able to create meaning out of the virtual encounters that pop into your room through the effortless processes of technology. It is therefore key, when navigating the frenzy of our contemporary days, to be able to be personally engaged and to listen carefully to what others have to say.
If you are using technology to communicate with your collaborators and partners in business or life in general, there are key phrases that are usually used by in person communication environments, that can still be adapted to digital communication processes, to make people feel more comfortable, motivated, and appreciated. Here is a list of 12 sentences that can do wonders to improve your communication style, based on suggestions given by Jeff Schmitt, a writer specialized in organizational behavior, and others:
1. “I totally understand.”
People have such an innate desire to connect, that to hear an empathic sentence such as the one of “I understand” really warms the hearts of the ones involved in a process of dialogue. To acknowledge the other one’s point of view is the first step for a successful communication. Everybody wants to feel that they’re not alone, but rather truly connected. Meeting someone else that makes an effort to understand what you feel, because he or she went through something similar, is very reassuring. The act of being present in the moment of communication, even if that moment is happening through the use of technology, means that you need to pay focused attention to what the other one is saying, and that you express true empathy towards his or her feelings.
2. “Tell me more about that:”
This sentence signals the other person that you’re curious and with time to listen to what the other one has to say. This phrase should be used with the according emotion, which means that when you use it, you need to be really there, prioritizing that dialogue, by being silently focused on what the other one has to say, which implies that you set aside your iPhone or tablet. By paying more attention to your interlocutor, he or she will feel more empowered and acknowledged.
3.“What do you think?”
“What do you think?” is a powerful question, regarding improve communication, as it recognizes your interlocutor´s expertise. In doing so, you open a space that welcomes authentic suggestions. Be aware that your interest on the ideas and thoughts of the other person should be genuine, as otherwise you are just wasting time, and feeding the other one´s frustration.
4. “What I Hear You Saying Is:”
This sentence powerfully gives a hint to the other person of your willingness to actively engage with what he or she are saying. When rephrasing what another one just formulated, you contribute to the flow of communication, clarify your own understanding, and probably end up getting more detail. This sentence benefits both parties, as your dialogue swiftly shifts into the production of a common meaning.
5. “You’re Right:”
People feel very well when they are praised positively, particularly if you express it with sincerity. To acknowledge that you were wrong also shows you as a humble and vulnerable person, with whom your employee can identify. And people trust those with whom they can identify. To tell someone that she’s right will enable both to access a common ground, and move on from there.
6. “I Trust Your Judgment.”
Trust is a combination of character and competence. Character is about who you are as a person while competence is about what you can actually do. Your competence varies concerning different contexts. Telling your employee or collaborator that you trust him is highly meaningful, as it means that you believe in his capabilities to make it happen. It acknowledges his competences in an active way, by placing inspiring expectations upon his shoulders, which will lead him to feel more motivated to contribute to the common project. He can then put into practice his own creative ideas.
7. “I Don’t Know.”
No one has all the answers. To humbly acknowledge our limits, by boldly facing human limitations, is actually a fantastic act of courage. “I Don´t know” followed by some active statement of strong willingness to look for common answers and solutions, can be perfect to start a dialogue that will bond people into a common goal. “I will thing about it” is also a nice sentence to use. No one has always the authority or expertise to make decisions and deliver the right solution. This phrase gives you some time to figure out some answers and it also signals you as flexible and open minded. Be sure though, to follow up on the sentence, and deliver the requested answer, otherwise, you risk not being taken seriously next time.
8. “Thanks”
Thank you shows appreciation, particularly when it is given sincerely. The word ‘Thanks’ is the most basic code of social etiquette and in a working environment, this word should be present in the back of your mind as a mantra, that is ready to be used politely when engaging with your collaborators’ or employees. Another important word to improve communication is “please”. Sometimes, we tend to forget it, when going through the rush of a busy “business” day. Bear in mind though, that the people you work with will be more willing to participate in whatever you are doing, when being asked to do it nicely, and as if it is a favor. “Well done” is also a fantastic sentence that can do wonders to your communication style. People want to know that what they did was great as they have placed a lot work into their projects. More than getting your recognition on how your task or goal was achieved, they want constructive feedback: precise and detailed information on why their work was special.
9. “I’m On It.”
This powerful expression is deeply empathic. It means that you are personally committed to the process of improving communication, because you really care about the other one. “I’m on it” can make you quickly win the confidence of your employee or collaborator and if you want to emphasize your willingness to commitment you can even say: “You have my word.” Be sure that you are authentic when using both sentences as they mean that you’re willing to “stick the neck on the line” for the other one, and that you will really make it happen whatever it takes.
10. “How can we make this happen?”
If you have your own business you know that what lead you to where you are now, was your imagination, inspiration, vision. Do you remember how you were driven by a strong impulse to follow your dreams, by using your creativity to move out of your comfort zone ? What about inspiring others to do the same thing ? You can invite them to jump into the same boat you are in, by using a phrase like “How can we make this happen?” or “Let’s try this out?” Be sure though to analyze all different options they offer you with open heart, by not judging right away their ideas.
11. “Let Me Play Devil’s Advocate:”
Sometimes it is necessary to use critique to evolve to a different level. How to give feedback when communicating in a productive way, and how to introduce new possibilities and ideas? A good solution might be to transform your dialogue into a detached, unpersonalized analytical exercise where both will look at the big picture from various contradictory angles. Both you and your interlocutor will gain in growing awareness of what is there to be done, what are the pros and cons of the various options, and what are the alternatives you have.
12.”I’ve Got Your Back!”
No one is perfect and there will be times you will have to face someone that has done some big mistake. But is it worth it to blame others? What about showing some friendly human understanding by giving a direct signal of reassurance ? You can use sentences like :“I’ve Got Your Back, I’m not judging you. You’re going to get through this. You’re not alone. We’ll figure this out together. It’s going to be OK”. After such reassuring sentences, you can then guide your collaborator into the right steps to avoid doing the same mistakes.
Technology has brought to us incredible and increasingly cheaper ways to instantly communicate with others, regardless of where you are. This has enabled many to have collaborations and projects happening with people living in the four quarters of the world. Millions of people are now permanently engaged in virtual dialogues happening all the time. The other side of the coin of such an immediate access to communication is that one might become overwhelmed and incur in errors regarding your communication style. With the above list of 12 sentences, I aimed to offer valuable suggestions of personal ways to improve your communication style when speaking to your collaborators or employees, regardless of whatever channel of communication you are using.
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