You notice a long pause… , or someone doesn’t respond to an email you’ve sent. You may get a strange look from the person you are talking to. Most people have come across this at some point in a business meeting, interview, or email.
While you can’t always control the response you get when doing business with other people, there are some ways to minimize those awkward moments.
Communication seems like a simple idea, in fact, we do it on a daily basis. The problem is that we can easily fall into traps when dealing with people outside of our own circles. I want to share 4 tips to help you avoid those pitfalls as much as possible.
Tip #1
Be careful about the use of jargon and/or text speech when communicating in a business setting.
I know, I know, the world is now run by Millennials, and that’s how we communicate. The problem is that there are still many people who do not accept the new trends in speech.
When speaking with a client, prospective employer, or anyone else you plan to work with, it’s important to remember business speaking etiquette. Whether you’re writing an email, talking on the phone, or meeting someone one-on-one, it’s important to be careful with your words.
For example, which of these two options do you think will get a better response?
– Hey man, we’re crushing these #s. By the way, I think we’re awesome enough to double up next month!
– Our sales figures have increased steadily this month. In fact, if we maintain this momentum, we may be able to double the gains next month.
(I realize this may be a bad example, but it gives you an idea.)
Just be aware that using too many jargon terms or using text talk in a business setting can turn some people away from you.
Tip #2
On the other side of the spectrum, being too pretentious won’t do you any favors.
Some people, trying to sound more professional, will search the depths to find largely old-fashioned words. While this is a great way to increase vocabulary, it’s generally not necessary in business settings. Common words work just as well, if not better, when it comes to getting your point across.
With these two tips, the point is simple. If you want someone to take you seriously, be as precise and authoritative as possible. Write or speak clearly to make sure your audience understands your meaning.
Tip #3
Listen! Make sure you listen to what the other person is saying to you. This sounds obvious, but too often we are thinking about what we want to say next. This can prevent us from communicating effectively.
Let’s say you have a product you want to sell. You have all these great ideas of how it can be useful to the person in front of you. You have talking points in your head, ready to drop the need for this product.
But let’s say this person doesn’t see those same things as important. They want to address a different problem or see another potential benefit of your product.
If you don’t stop to listen to these ideas from the other person, they won’t care what you have to say. Listen to what is important to them. If you give them that courtesy and address their expressed needs, they’ll be more willing to listen to the other great benefits later on. Make sure you listen to what they are telling you that is most important to them!
Tip #4
Be willing to learn from others.
This is very similar to the tip above. You may be an expert in your chosen field, but spending your time trying to convince others of this fact, unwilling to take feedback, is detrimental to your ability to convince them of anything.
Do you want someone who knows what they are talking about?
Most likely yes.
They also want someone who realizes that they don’t know everything.
Be open to advice and remember that we always have room to learn something new.
If you want more tips or deeper advice on communication, I highly recommend reading (or listening to) Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”