Many times, we overestimate ourselves when searching for business and career opportunities. Let us have a theoretical scenario where you meet the person that would approve that contract in an elevator. Do you have what it takes to impress them? Can you get an appointment for a second meeting? Do not rush to reply. Take a moment to reevaluate your abilities.
It was a relatively cold evening due to the heavy downpour earlier in the afternoon. I promptly signed into class five minutes early to avoid dozing off. The course started on time in a relatively abrupt way. It was a practical session. We had to talk for ninety seconds on any topic we felt comfortable with. Five minutes only was the allotted time for preparation. The catch? We should be able to impress the audience – our facilitator and our colleagues.
The class had an array of topics with diverse views. Although we had the same amount of time, the impressions made varied. However, one thing was constant – an overestimation of one’s ability. I did not present as we ran out of time. Nonetheless, I do not think I would have done any better.
In communication, there are three key components. These are the intended message of the speaker, the transmitted message by the speaker, and the received message from the receiver. If these three components are aligned, then we have communicated. If there is a variance, misunderstanding comes up hence, a loss of value.
Let us take a look at the first part – the intended message. Before speaking or writing, do the following: first, relax and think through all you want to say. Second, use simple words and be as direct as possible. What you can utter with five words, do not use twenty. Lastly, think of examples to further drive home your points to reduce the chances of miscommunication.
Now, consider the second part, the transmitted message. People will bother about how you said something against what you said. Be sure to use the right emotions and body language when speaking. You cannot communicate romantic words to your partner with a harsh tone and an angry face. The response you will get will not be as expected. Always be sure to transmit your message in the right way.
Finally, the received message; as a listener, do not hear to reply but listen to respond. Avoid judging the speech of the speaker from your lens of bias. Focus on what the speaker said and not what you think he said. Where you are not clear, ask questions or ask for a repeat. Do not draw unrelated conclusions from the speech of the author. For example, if the author said, I love apples, take their word for it. Do not respond with “The author said he hates oranges” Doing all these will enable you to internalize what the speaker intended to draw your attention to.
Having considered all these, let us go about speaking actively and listening reflectively. With this, we would minimize the chances of confusion, consolidate our abilities to converse directly, and thus win more business opportunities in our respective fields.
Life, Love, and Life
#MC #MMBA4
Adura is Life