Here Are Some Communication Shortcomings

Communication. Merriam-Webster defines “communication” as an act of transmitting a message or an exchange of information or opinions. Human interaction hinges on sending, receiving, and reacting to information, whether verbal, written, or sensory. We send messages whether we intend to or not.

But are those messages reaching your intended audience in the manner you hope they do? You don’t always know how a person will receive your message because there’s usually a lot going on behind the words that affect your communications.

The main question is: are you sending the messages that you intend to send or are you inadvertently transmitting information that strikes others in a way you didn’t expect? Being clear in our communicative styles is both an art and a skill. It takes a certain finesse to deliver criticism or bad news, for example. Too often, when we talk to another about a failing or offer what we think is constructive advice, we invoke a defensive response. Worse still, we can alienate our family, friends, coworkers, or customers through an inadvertent lack of subtlety. The art of letting a person down gently, expressing your opinion, or delivering a critical report is a skill that you can learn, but your education starts not in the classroom, but in your heart and mind.

By taking a quick inventory every morning, you can get in touch with your true nature and the mood that most likely drives your interactions each day. If you’re like most people, that mood varies from day to day. For example, days that you wake up feeling fresh and excited about the tasks ahead, knowing full well you’re up to all the challenges and eager to meet them — those days you’ll most likely talk to everyone with positive overtones you don’t have to manufacture. On the other hand, on those self-critical, negative mornings when you’re filled with fear and trepidation, not sure how you’ll manage to get through the burdens you’ve been strapped with — those days probably elicit harsher tones and negative projections on everyone you talk to… even those whom you praise.

Communication is not just about the words you say, it’s also about how you deliver them. More often than not, your mood affects your message more than the actual words that come out of your mouth. Even your memos, emails, letters, and reports can reflect your mood at the time you composed them.

You can learn the skills inherent in communication through a wide range of instruction and practices we’ll discuss in a later post. In the meantime, if you want to make sure you’re getting across the message you intend, let someone else read it before you send it. The writers at Ray Access have a knack for cutting through the moods and attitudes so that your blogs, emails, press releases, and articles are clear and free of emotional overtones. As the writer and speaker, you usually don’t recognize it. We can — and do. Email us at info at rayaccess.com for a preview of editing services that can save you from having to follow up with explanations and embarrassing apologies for sending inaccurate or unintentionally vague communications.

Ray Access is a content marketing firm that delivers targeted words to empower your business. Contact us about your specific project to receive a quote or discuss your needs. We write website copy, blog posts, e-newsletters and more. Everything we do is thoroughly researched, professionally edited and guaranteed original.