How to Communicate Effectively

Communication makes the world go round. On a smaller level, communication, or being able to communicate effectively, is what gets you through each day, in both your career and personal life. Here's how to make sure someone understands what you say. Please note that this article does not address the listening side of communication which is just as important as the speaking side.

1. Organize and clarify ideas in your mind before you attempt to communicate them.
2. Stay on-topic. Make sure all facts, stories, allusions, etc, add to the conversation/debate.
3. Be clear about the purpose of the communication. For example, your purpose could be to inform others, to obtain information or to initiate action.
4. Articulate. Do not mumble. Look into the other person's eyes if possible.
5. Ask the other person to repeat what you have said, in his or her own words.
6. Thank the person for his or her time, and for listening.

• Do not beat around the bush when you are trying to get a point across. State what you want in a clear voice.
• To maximize the effectiveness of your communication make sure the person has time to devote solely to you. If the person is otherwise occupied it might be better to save your thoughts for a better time.
• To talk without purpose is to ramble. If you want to be taken lightly, ramble.
• If you are someone who keeps your emotions repressed and your body muscles take the full brunt, it is important to exercise and stretch those muscles to stop this. You will stand taller, breathe better and feel stronger if you do this and exercise helps to free your emotions.
• If the conversation becomes too heated, ask for time-out or a break. Explain that it has nothing to do with the other person, it is just that you feel confused, tired or need time to reflect and that you will resume the conversation later.
• Don't yell or say things you'll regret later. This may seem like an easy option at the time but memories linger and it achieves nothing more than agitating and angering both parties. Assertiveness is about conveying your wants and needs without raising your voice.