We spend a lot of time with our clients talking about ways to create outstanding business communication. And all great business communication has five common characteristics, or ingredients: clarity, brevity, context, impact and value. Every single time we communicate in the work place, we need to be thinking about all five of these things.
We talk about it all the time, but here’s something to keep in mind… You are never done. It’s not like a destination on a map, and once you get there, you plant your flag and declare victory. Great communication is a constant battle, and even if you achieved clarity, brevity, context, impact and value in yesterday’s communication, it does not guarantee that you will automatically achieve it with today’s communication.
For most of us, the first draft of anything is long-winded and not very well organized. I have met very few people (translation: zero) whose first draft is simple, clear, easy to understand, brief… Achieving the five ingredients takes work, every time. It takes work to think through what you are really saying. It takes work to think through what is most valuable to your audience. It takes work to identify what detail needs to be in there, and what can be left for another day.
Great communication takes thought and effort, every time.
Have a great day!
At The Latimer Group, our individual Coaching services are highly customized and designed to help you achieve your specific goals. Typical engagements focus on developing skill sets in Leadership Communications, Public Speaking, and Executive-Level Business Presentations. To learn more, e-mail us at info@TheLatimerGroup.com
Photo by Steve Snodgrass used under the following license.
[…] that quick conversation in the hallway with your boss. All three techniques allow you to achieve clarity, brevity, context, impact and value. And as you may recall from previous writings on this blog, if you can achieve those five things, […]