Effective communication is hard work, because one has to juggle the various nonverbal cues, difficult concepts and cultural barriers alike. With all the ways information can be "lost in translation," it's no wonder that even the best communicator can sometimes have trouble getting his point across. However, after a person has concluded a presentation or discussion, he can improve his skills by taking these steps to measure the effectiveness of communication and applying the lessons in future situations.
Instructions
1. Prompt the listener to provide feedback by asking questions. For example, if your goal is to update employees about a new company policy on ordering supplies, you could ask, "What is the new policy regarding ordering new supplies?" This question will test the audience's understanding of changes that will take place at the company and confirm how they will adopt those changes.
2. Ask your audience to mirror what you have said. When talking to a business partner, spouse, or store clerk, ask him to mirror complex or important information. For example, you could say, "To be clear, can you tell me what you think I have just said?" Based on the response, offer additional information or confirm that the person has heard you correctly.
3. Listen for questions or inconsistencies in the information you have provided. If the other person with whom you are communicating contradicts a statement you have made during the course of the conversation, acknowledge the miscommunication and offer additional information on the matter. Finish by asking the person if he understands the matter more clearly as a result of the new information. Ask him to mirror larger points before moving onto the next topic.
4. Ask your audience to paraphrase larger objectives, goals and points of interest. In an attempt to get the listener talking and demonstrating the degree to which he has effectively heard you during your conversation, ask him to sum up the larger issues you have raised. If his outline is thin, add to it by going over missing point; do so with the knowledge that those larger points were missed or not seen as such. Use this time to express why the missed issues should be addressed.
