How to Communicate More Effectively (Article 2)

Communication is a critical skill for any business owner, but it can be difficult to develop. There are countless tips out there on how to improve your communication skills, but it’s always easier to hear from someone who has tried it and failed.

That’s why I decided to write this post. I want to help you understand the fundamentals of effective communication so that you can stop spending so much time learning about it and start applying it.

This post will cover seven different points of communication that every business owner should know.

STEP 1: Start With a List of Priorities

The first thing you need to do when communicating is to start with a list of priorities. Think about what’s most important to you and your business, and then make sure you communicate those things effectively. If you don’t have anything to say about those priorities, your communication will always sound empty.

STEP 2: Keep It Simple, But Not Simplistic

It’s tempting to simplify everything in order to be more efficient. The truth is that simple messages are far more powerful than complicated ones. Keep it simple, but not simplistic.

If you want to convince someone to buy something, it’s easy to go too far by simplifying the product. The opposite is also true. When you over-complicate a message, you can end up sounding unprofessional.

STEP 3: Use Metaphors, But Be Careful

Metaphors are a great way to make a point about something without saying the actual word. For example, if you’re trying to sell a business opportunity, you might use a metaphor like “taking a leap of faith”. If you’re trying to make an emotional connection, a metaphor like “getting closer” is a lot more powerful.

If you’re using a metaphor, it’s best to be very specific and avoid being generic. You can often tell when someone is using a generic metaphor because it tends to be generic and vague.

STEP 4: Keep It Short, But Not Shallow

There’s a reason why a short story is so effective. It allows you to pack a lot of information into a small amount of space. A short message allows you to communicate more effectively.

This doesn’t mean you have to write a short story though. The key is to communicate quickly and concisely. The only way to do this is by focusing on the most important points first.

STEP 5: Get To The Point, But Not Too Fast

As with everything in life, you should always move slowly when you’re communicating. Most people are terrible at listening, so it’s important to give them time to process what you say.

On the other hand, it’s important not to let your audience get bored. You don’t want them to think that you’re just talking about yourself. You want them to feel like you’re addressing them directly.

STEP 6: Be Clear, But Not Obvious

When you communicate, you should make sure that what you say is clear. This means that you shouldn’t leave any room for misinterpretation. If you need to use a metaphor or analogy to make a point, be very specific. It’s much easier to understand a metaphor than a vague one.

STEP 7: Use Visuals, But Don’t Overdo It

The most powerful communication method is through visuals. This is especially true in business. Your business cards, website, ads, and even social media profiles are all visual.

The key to communicating through visuals is to keep it simple. Don’t try to get too creative. It will just confuse people. Instead, make sure the visuals are relevant to the message you’re trying to convey.

Thanks for reading!