The 'Noise' Factor (Your Real Competition)

The next time you have an important message to deliver, consider the 'noise' that may prevent your message from being received and understood. The 'noise factor' is often neglected.

Whether you are speaking to someone or sending an email, you need to consider what else may attract the attention of your intended audience at the same time. Sometimes it is obvious; at other times you may need to do a little work to see what else may compete with your message.

Here are some considerations:

• Never try to compete with a television. Don't try to talk to your spouse or children about anything important to you while the TV is on. This is a losing proposition and will only lead to anger and frustration. This applies to the computer, when someone is reading or listening to music. Even if the person looks up from what he or she is doing, you are still competing with the TV, computer, book or music. Please don't get frustrated if your message is not received as well as you would like...pick another time, when the conditions are more favourable.
• If you are sending an email, realize that yours is one of dozens, maybe even hundreds that your recipient(s) will receive today. How can you make yours stand out? Give it some thought. There is a lot of competition for attention. And know that you may need to send out more than one email to get your message across.
• You know that you multi-task when you are on the phone; don't be surprised when I tell you that you rarely have the undivided attention of the people you are talking to on the phone. They are likely watching TV, sitting in front of a computer, reading whatever is at hand... Unfortunate, but so often true. If you have something important to say, ask for the attention you need before you say it or try to arrange to talk in person (we don't do that enough anymore).

Just remember, what you have to communicate is very important to you, but it will have to compete with the 'noise' of the modern world.

Awareness is more than half the battle...

the communication guru

The wisdom of Ann Landers

"The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven't thought of yet. "
Ann Landers

Do you know what the definition of regret is? 'Distress of mind on account of something beyond one's power to remedy' (The Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Don't let your words lead to regret.

You know, Ann got a lot right.
the communication guru

Ain't this the truth...

"The best of us must sometimes eat our words."
— J. K. Rowling: British fantasy author (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)

So true.

And, when we do have to eat our words, we rarely forget our misstep. I will always remember my worst offences. Always.

I think that my personal experience making some real communication gaffes in the past is what has led to my interest in promoting effective communication skills.

Words taste terrible; have some pasta instead.
the communication guru