Everyone knows that communication is a two-way street. Unfortunately that means that no matter how much effort you may put into developing your own communication skills, there is always room for misunderstandings. Today we continue our discussion on misunderstandings by discussing some ways you can help head off misunderstandings in the workplace:
• Ask Questions: So many misunderstandings could be avoided by simply asking for clarification or more information. If you don’t fully understand the intention or message of your conversation partner, wait for an appropriate pause in the conversation and ask for clarification. Repeat the part of the message that you are unsure of and then ask for more information. For example, “You just mentioned that you expected a different level of performance next quarter; could you tell me a little more about your expectations?”
• Provide Clarification: On the other side of the coin, if you sense that the person you’re speaking with is misunderstanding your message or that they aren’t quite following you, take a moment to make sure you’re both on the same page. Many people feel uncomfortable asking for clarification, so it may be useful to provide them with an opportunity to ask questions. Take a moment and say something along the lines of, “Before I keep going, I just want to make sure we’re on the same page. Is there anything I can clarify?” or simply repeat and rephrase the aspect of the conversation you feel may be misunderstood.
For information on the New York Based Speech and Accent Reduction services offered by Corporate Speech Solutions please give us a call at 212-308-7725 or visit us on the web at www.corporatespeechsolutions.com
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