IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO GOOD COMMUNICATION
It all boils down to communication…how you feel about talking and how you avoid a communication meltdown. Do you feel like a goof ball when it comes to good communication? People often have two different sets of expectations, and if you don’t discuss things, there’s bound to be upset. Those who frequently communicate often find that they don’t hate exchanging information. In fact, they find that even when expectations collide, communication crashes do not necessarily result.
EXPECTATIONS CRASHES CRUSH RELATIONSHIPS
Expectation collisions crush relationships. But it’s not that big of a deal if you’re tactical in your communication. What is tactical communication? Tactical communication is intentionally initiating a discussion, taking a little extra time to build trust, when you don’t have to. A good time for this is when the pressure isn’t on you and your talk partner to achieve anything monumental. So, by putting a little energy in on the front end, you protect your prized relationships when stress and strain set in.
So, what are three shortcuts to give good talk a chance in your life?
GIVE TALK A CHANCE
The three C’s of good tactical communication, or two-way talks, are: Connect, Clarify, Confirm. Here’s how to make these three-Cs of two-way talk tactics work for you today:
C1. CONNECTING. “I’m just calling to find out what, if anything, is up regarding….” or “I wasn’t sure if you had heard this, so I wanted to fill you in.”
Tactical Talk: In short, you reach out to stay in close touch, especially when you don’t have to.
C2. CLARIFYING. “I’d like to clarify something with you if you have a second….” or “What do you expect to happen next?” and “What is your take on all of this?”
Tactical Talk: In short, to quell anxieties, you’re clarifying expectations and emerging realities by openly comparing notes and perceptions.
C3. CONFIRMING. “Let me see if I’ve heard you correctly….” and “Are you saying that the next steps are…?” or “So what you and I are agreeing to do by the end of the week is….”
Tactical Talk: In short, you confirm that what you think is true, is actually going to happen.
GIVE GOOD TALK A CHANCE IN YOUR LIFE TODAY
Tactical communication is predictable and preengineered to avoid many unnecessary misunderstandings. As one client said, “I’ve learned from your T2M system that it’s not that big of a deal when you’re tactical in your communication!” Give good talk a chance in your life today.
ABOUT “TALK DOC” DENNIS O’GRADY
Dennis E. O’Grady, Psy.D. is a Dayton region relationship communications psychologist and corporate trainer. Dennis is the developer of the innovative and results-driven communication system, Talk To Me: Communication Moves to Get Along With Anyone, available at drogrady.com.