There are many ways that we can improve our communication — here are a few suggestions:
- Unambiguity – making very sure that your message isn’t misinterpreted. This is key especially when the communication is non-verbal, such as phone or email, since it is more difficult to read body language, see the smile, or sense the tone of a thought via the written word.
- Brevity – keeping the message ‘clean’ by keeping the message on point – and to the point.
- Clarity – keeping the message ‘clear’ by ensuring that the message is consistent (and unambiguous, and brief…)
For those of you who Twitter (www.twitter.com/marymcd), you are already aware that Twitter limits posters to 140 characters – in essence, forcing you to ensure that your writing is unambiguous, brief, and clear.
Twitter may be a training ground for all of us to be better, more efficient communicators!