Improve your Communication Skills – Choose the Correct Words

Posted on December 26, 2009 by Elaine Lockard, One of Thousands of Executive Coaches on Noomii.

Have you ever met someone who used words you did not understand? I am sure you have because I know I have. These words seem like they are fresh out of a dictionary and you would certainly need one to know what they meant. Or, on the other hand, the person may be using slang terms and unusual phrases which don’t make sense.

In any event, even though they may be using proper English, they are not communicating effectively if you do not understand them. And if they are not understood, just think how this is effecting their business and personal relationships.

Here are some quick tips to help avoid communication difficulties in your initial contact with someone:

- until you get to know who you are speaking to, use more conversational, common, everyday language

- don’t assume a colorful turn of a phrase or a slang term is understood by all since it may be understood only regionally or in a particular group

- in business, don’t use company terms or abbreviations with customers or other colleagues outside your company.

Everyone wants and needs to be understood. Learn to be flexible with your words and conversations. Use the words which work, fit the situation and person being spoken to. It is a very effective communication skill, as well as an interpersonal relationship skill, to master which will serve you and the people you come in contact with over and over.