We all know how to communicate with each other, right?  We do it all the time.  We talk to each other, phone, email, text, PM.  Back in the old days, we wrote each other letters.  All of these make use of spoken or written language to get our points across.  But not all communication is spoken or written, and not everyone communicates the same way.

 

For example, we’re probably all aware of body language and how to make use of that.  If you’re speaking to someone across a table, and they lean in, that probably means they’re interested in what you’re saying.  If they cross their arms and legs and lean back, they’re probably not.

 

Another thing to take into consideration is tone of voice.  If you tell me you're going to do something, and I smile and say, “That’s great,” you can tell I’m okay with it.  But if you say something, and I stomp my foot and growl, “That’s just great!” you'll be pretty sure I’m not happy about it.

 

Today begins a series on Communication Secrets -- things to become aware of regarding communication that can make it easier to know you’re really connecting with people, professionally or personally.  We’ll break communication down into the ways people take it in and put it out, we’ll learn a few techniques, and we’ll see how this can all come together to make communicating more successful more often so we can make use of it in our personal and professional lives.

 

Check back here in the coming weeks for more tips and tools!