Brevity in communication

[Sibghatallah]

I have problem while communicating with individuals or in meetings. I go in to in to extra details and people don't like. Why I do this? I try to bring the listener/s to the same level of background knowledge and information so that he does not have problem in understanding. Secondly I want to give the impression that I know a lot and I have got good ideas and points. This weekends has been mentioned by several people including my boss. How can I get rid of this? Thanks

[Guest]

@Sibghatallah 

Hi,

I struggle with my communication skills too..its something I am currently working on. To do this I am reading books on the subject and watching Videos (I like Ted Videos). One great Ted Talk is “How to Have a Good Conversation” by Celeste Headlee.

The most helpful books I have found for me, have been "How to Talk to Anyone" by Leil Lowndes and "how to win friend and Influence people" by Dale Carnegie. I read them, take notes and then try and practice what I have learned, and usually have to go back and reread and try again. I practice talking to people, I talk to myself and when I see an opportunity to practice I remind myself of what I am going to work on during a given conversation. For example..I might say to myself.. ok..right now I am going to work on making eye contact and listening (not to respond to the person, but to hear them and what they are saying). I'm still practicing and working on this!

One other thing that has helped me tremendously is Leos video on "How to stop Caring what others think of you". You mentioned feeling the need to impress and have good ideas, caring so much about what other people think of you can be challenging and painful at times...maybe that video will help you reframe your thoughts on that.

If you read any of those books or watch the video.. check back in here..Id love to hear what you thought of them!

Good Luck!

Lauren

 

[Julian Lobo]

Let it be an experiment. Be as simple with your communication as possible. Observe the results. Adjust accordingly.

When you talk to them, don't worry about details, just the main ideas.  If your audience has questions, concerns, or confusions, they will ask for clarification.

If you're coming from a place of self-aggrandisement, remind yourself that nobody really cares about you personally, and they most likely will not even remember most of what you said that day anyway.

Speak less to say more.

Let us know how it goes.