How to Communicate with Tact and Professionalism
7 December 2009
How to Communicate with Tact and Professionalism
Have you ever been awed by someone who always seems to know what to say and how to say it in any situation? These people know how to communicate with diplomacy, tact, confidence and professionalism. They speak honestly, confidently and receive criticism constructively. They are powerful, not intimidating, and say what needs to be said without offending or creating conflict. This paper explains the why(s) and how(s) to do these things.
Determine your objective before diving into communication. Anticipate reaction before making statements or sending correspondence. Refrain from hurling insults, and rise above petty name-calling or the blame game. Use appropriate terminology; however, do not sound robotic or overly technical. Stay in control of your body language, the audience will evaluate your message through body language, as well as the words you are saying. Learn how to say no clearly and decisively. These are all good examples of communicating with tact and professionalism.
The cornerstone of communication is listening. To become a good listener we should remain open minded and listen to what is being presented to us. Improve listening skills by asking questions, drawing out feelings, encouraging elaboration of needs, and by helping others discover new things about themselves. While listening we must maintain eye contact, and say words of encouragement. However, when people are too emotionally involved they tend to hear only what they want to hear, and not what is actually being said; therefore, avoid emotional involvement. Try to remain objective and open-minded. Listening is awareness of, tending to and organization of data entering our nervous system via our hearing mechanism (Listening: A vital Skill). Unlike hearing, which is a physiological passive activity, listening is an active cognitive process. Listen actively, never interrupt the other party. Try to understand what the other
How to Communicate with Tact and Professionalism
Have you ever been awed by someone who always seems to know what to say and how to say it in any situation? These people know how to communicate with diplomacy, tact, confidence and professionalism. They speak honestly, confidently and receive criticism constructively. They are powerful, not intimidating, and say what needs to be said without offending or creating conflict. This paper explains the why(s) and how(s) to do these things.
Determine your objective before diving into communication. Anticipate reaction before making statements or sending correspondence. Refrain from hurling insults, and rise above petty name-calling or the blame game. Use appropriate terminology; however, do not sound robotic or overly technical. Stay in control of your body language, the audience will evaluate your message through body language, as well as the words you are saying. Learn how to say no clearly and decisively. These are all good examples of communicating with tact and professionalism.
The cornerstone of communication is listening. To become a good listener we should remain open minded and listen to what is being presented to us. Improve listening skills by asking questions, drawing out feelings, encouraging elaboration of needs, and by helping others discover new things about themselves. While listening we must maintain eye contact, and say words of encouragement. However, when people are too emotionally involved they tend to hear only what they want to hear, and not what is actually being said; therefore, avoid emotional involvement. Try to remain objective and open-minded. Listening is awareness of, tending to and organization of data entering our nervous system via our hearing mechanism (Listening: A vital Skill). Unlike hearing, which is a physiological passive activity, listening is an active cognitive process. Listen actively, never interrupt the other party. Try to understand what the other