5 RULES THAT CAN HELP ANYONE IMPROVE COMMUNICATION

Remember: There are no ironclad rules for communicating perfectly. The best approach is to consider the context (for example, whether we’re communicating at work or in our privates lives). Even so, a few general tips can help optimize our communication and maximize our linguistic impact on others.

1. USE PROSODY (RHYTHM AND INTONATION)

By varying the pitch and volume of your voice and speaking fluently, you can motivate your listeners to pay attention. If you tend to speak in long, complex sentences, slow your pace.

2. USE VARIED SPEECH

Increase the variety of your speech by using synonyms to express the same content in different ways. Depending on who you are talking to, vary the length of your sentences and words, and try to reduce your use of filler words (um, ah, simply, really).

3. AVOID COERCION

Avoid using expressions associated with obligation and necessity (I must, we should) and try to replace them with more positive phrasing (I would like to, we want to). That will have a motivational effect on both you and your listener.

4. DON’T BE IMPERSONAL

The choice of “I” or “we” depends on the context of the situation: Are you in a managerial position with all the responsibly that entails, or are you functioning in the capacity of a team player? In any case, avoid the use of impersonal pronouns such as one, someone, and no one.

5. SOFTENERS ARE TABOO

Try to minimize your use of “linguistic softeners” (tentative phrases such as possibly, perhaps, a little), which can make your speech sound uncertain. And use words that intensify (such as very, absolutely, totally) sparingly so they will have a sufficient impact when you do choose to use them.