Checklist for effective communication

In simple words Communication is the sharing of ideas, opinions, or information with one or more people.

 Communication is interactive.

 Sending of a message isn’t enough; the message must be grasped, absorbed, taken in by the other person. Words alone, either spoken or written, don’t communicate. People communicate

  A Checklist for good communication

• Plan all communications
• Make sure that you have your message clear in your mind before you try to pass it on to others.
• Phrase it in language that the receiver understands.
• Be yourself – be natural – be relaxed.
• Keep to the point – don’t ramble.
• Be positive.
• Put yourself in the recipient’s shoes – what are their needs, interests and motivations?
• Keep asking yourself “Are they interested in what I am saying?”
• Illustrate the points – use examples, anecdotes, visual aids.
• Don’t be patronizing.
• Avoid mannerisms.
• Use paper for facts, but word of mouth for reasons.
• Get the official story out first and ‘beat the grapevine”.
• Ask plenty of questions (what, why, who, how, when, where?).
• Be a good listener.
• Judge the content, not the delivery.
• Don’t over-react.
• Listen for ideas.
• Be flexible.
• Work at listening.
• Resist distractions.
• Exercise the mind.
• Keep an open mind.
• Use the spare thinking time.

This is  check list to be followed if one wants to effectively communicate and get success in which ever field he /she endeavors.