What is the best way to communicate so that you are heard, acknowledged, and your agenda is moved forward?
Speak their “words.” If you can, know as much about the person/people you are communicating with beforehand. What are the words, phrases, jargon, they use often. Actually, mix them in as you talk about your key ideas. For example, if someone uses “bottom line,” a lot at the office, or in your personal life you hear the phrase, “speaking from the heart,” make those part of how you deliver your message.
Make sure you’re understood. Speak in short sentences and don’t repeat yourself unless it is for emphasis. After each key phase, wait a moment to see if they have taken in what you have said, then go on. For example, “This second point is crucial to the success of the project”…wait a few seconds to see if they’ve acknowledged what you’ve said.
Ask them questions. To make sure they’ve understood, engage their response. Listen attentively to what they have to say. They may bring up an important point that you missed and want to address. You might say something like, “I’ve shared the plans for mom’s party, did I forget anything?” And they will probably bring up a few things to consider.
