The value of quality communication
The fundamental reason for communicating is to relay messages between individuals and/or groups of people in order to disclose information. The information being relayed could be of great importance or it may be mere ‘chit chat’. The content of the message isn’t being discussed here, what is being addressed is the importance of the quality of the communication the sender and receiver place on it. So how important is the quality of your communication? Probably more to the point, how much do you value the quality of your communications?
One of the chapters, “Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood” in Stephen Covey’s book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” epitomises the essence of how our communications should be conducted.
How often do you communicate with the sole intention of ensuring you get your message across, without a care in the world for your listener. Heaven forbid them if they interrupt! When you communicate how much of the message you are relaying is loaded with items from your agenda without considering whether or not your listener would like to contribute or even the value of what they could contribute; and when you find yourself having to listen are you truly listening or just hearing the words because you’re waiting for the opportunity to ‘jump back in’ and continue with your verbal expression.
The next time somebody says to you, “You never listen to me”, or may be suggests that you talk too much and never listen, try this exercise.
Sit down with this person and ask them to explain to you what it is they want you to listen to; if there’s more than one ask them to choose one. Ask them to include as much detail as possible; when they are speaking remain absolutely silent, do not interrupt them, do not speak or ask any questions. When you think they’ve finished check with them; ask them to confirm that they have. When they’ve confirmed they have finished, feedback to them how you understand what they have explained to you; then ask them if what you have relayed back is correct. If there are any errors ask them to explain it again; repeat this process until your version of things matches theirs. Using this process in your communications will enhance not only your communication and listening skills but also your reputation as a considerate listener. As you use this principle more and more your self development and personal growth will benefit immensely. I’m not suggesting you use it for every communication you have; your reputation would certainly diminish if you were to ask for a detailed explanation for every conversation between you and your friends or colleagues.
This exercise highlights the need to fully understand the questions your listeners are asking and the information they are seeking. It is impossible to know what they want if you are doing all the talking and no listening, so how about giving a thought to your listeners and asking them what they want.
If you are a blogger, you can apply your new learned listening skills when you are selecting the material you intend to add to your blog. Whether it’s a new post or a new ad to make your readers aware of something they will benefit considerably more if you use your listening skills beforehand.
So whether your communication is a two way conversation or through your blog where you may be encouraging your readers to buy something, your upper most thoughts should be about them first and foremost. What is it they want? What are they seeking? Don’t assume you know, find out through research. Your research results could come from a poll on your blog or the comments left on your blog by your readers. Be careful not to use research material from other niche areas this could well dilute your reputation as a specialist in your niche; especially if you start writing blog posts out of your niche area.
Try forgetting about selling on your blog, make it a secondary reason and write your posts for the sole purpose of genuinely wanting to inform or help your readers! By all means put ads on your blog, especially if the purpose of your blog is to make money. When you write your posts forget the outcome from the ads (money) and write with passion about your niche area and strengthen your position in that area. Any earnings you intend to raise from your blog writing will be sure to appear as you continue to increase your list of loyal readers and the word spreads about the quality of the content of your posts. It will all contribute to you Personal Development.
Thank you for reading, please let me know what you think and share your experiences.
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Translate this postTags: Blog, Blogger, Communicating, Communications, Personal Development, Personal Growth, Quality of Communication, self development, Stephen Covey


















