5 Easy (Truly!) Tips for Better Communication

Below are five ways to communicate better starting now. These apply to many scenarios from counseling a client to interviewing for a job. One tip that goes without saying is to actively listen. And five easier things to do:

1. Use the word “and” instead of “but.” The word “but” causes people to stop listening because they expect an objection.
2. Avoid the word “no” (or “heck no!”). You want your clients to come to you with problems, so if you say no all the time, they are going to go around you, and you will inherit a bigger problem. Figure out what the solution is and voice that instead of a flat-out “no.”
3. Body language counts. Make it a point to be welcoming, look people in the eye, and uncross your arms. Again, you want people to come to you early, not be scared away.
4. Keep communications short and simple! Set short impactful meetings. A five minute phone call is fine, not 30 minutes on zoom if you don’t need it. Skip the backstory and long explanation whenever you can.
5. Ask for “advice” to get actionable things to do, and not ask for “feedback,” which gets you vague comments. (See my prior post for more.)

If you have more time, here’s a master thread on how execs communicate simply.