How to Communicate to be Heard at Work

By Canadajobs.com Staff

You've often heard that communication is the key to understanding. This can be as useful in your work life as it is in your home life.

Communicating well at work is essential for your team to be able to function properly. It's an important aspect in dealing with your clients as well as your colleagues. Here are some suggestions on how to communicate to be heard.

Be Clear:

People perceive things differently. If you are trying to get a point across to someone, make sure you are communicating to them in a manner that they understand. Use examples to illustrate your point. Support your comments by facts and clear examples of what you are trying to say. While you are speaking with someone, make sure they understand your point by presenting clear, separate thoughts. Ensure your sentences are complete and make notes before hand if you know you will be led off-track.

Be Confident:

You know what you want to say. Be confident. You have a better chance of being heard if you project a confident image. Confidence is not being better than others. It's the belief that what you say has value and you should be listened to. When you are communicating with someone and you don't feel listened to, it undermines your confidence. Don't let that happen to you. If you feel de-railed, make sure you bring the conversation back to the issue at hand. By being confident and respectful, you are telling the listener to focus on you and your needs.

Say What you Mean:

How many times do people say one thing, but really mean another? Often, people use this as a tactic to mask their true emotions. Instead of going around the issue, why not confront it head on. It avoids potential problems later. By being direct (but kind) you give your listener a better chance of actually listening. Saying what you mean is a sign of respect. You respect your listener enough to tell them the truth. You present them with an opportunity to correct a problem by allowing them to really understand your concern.

Be Flexible:

You won't always get your way in a conversation or a disagreement. As much as you deserve to be heard, others deserve a disagreeing viewpoint. Make sure you're expectations of the conversation and outcome are realistic. Communication, but its nature takes at least two people. And no two people are alike. By being flexible, you invite the other person to see your viewpoint as well. On issues where you can compromise, try to. It will go a long way to showing goodwill to the other party in your conversation.

Communicating to be heard is critical in your day to day work life. Colleagues, partners, and clients all require interaction, and you need to ensure that when you are speaking with them, you are heard, supported, and listened to. By following some of the tips above, you improve your chances of effective communication.

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