What are the best ways to experiment with new communication tools for relationship building?

1 Why experiment with new communication tools?

Communication tools are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on your goals, preferences, and context, you might need to use different tools to communicate with different people. For example, you might use email for formal and detailed messages, video calls for face-to-face interactions, chat apps for quick and casual conversations, and social media for sharing updates and feedback. Experimenting with new communication tools can help you discover new ways to connect, collaborate, and create rapport with others. It can also help you avoid communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities.

2 How to choose the right communication tool?

Before you decide on a new communication tool, there are several factors that can influence your communication effectiveness and efficiency. These include the purpose of your communication, the audience of your communication, the tone of your communication, the format of your communication, and the feedback of your communication. Taking all these into account, you can select a tool that best suits your situation. For instance, if you need to communicate an urgent project update to your team, a video call might be more suitable than an email. On the other hand, if you want to congratulate a colleague on a personal achievement, a chat app could be better than a formal letter.

3 How to experiment with new communication tools?

Once you have chosen the communication tool that matches your communication situation, you can start experimenting with it. To ensure success, begin with the basics and learn how to use the features and functions effectively. Test the tool with a friend or colleague before using it for an important or sensitive communication. As you become more comfortable and confident, explore and learn more about its features and functions. After using the new communication tool, evaluate and improve your communication performance and experience. These tips will help you experiment with new communication tools successfully.

4 How to adapt your communication style?

Experimenting with new communication tools can help you adapt your communication style to different situations and audiences. Your communication style is the way you express yourself, listen to others, and respond to feedback, which can be influenced by your personality, culture, and context. To adapt your communication style, you need to identify your own communication style by taking online assessments, asking for feedback, and reflecting on your communication strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, you should recognize other communication styles that differ from yours. After identifying and recognizing different communication styles, adjust your communication style to match or complement the communication style of your communication partner. For instance, if you are a direct communicator and you are communicating with an indirect communicator, you may need to tone down your assertiveness, use more questions, and show more appreciation.

5 How to measure your communication results?

Experimenting with new communication tools and adapting your communication style can help you improve your communication skills and outcomes. But how do you know if your communication is effective and successful? You need to measure your communication results, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Before you communicate, set clear and specific communication goals that are aligned with your purpose and audience. During and after your communication, track relevant and meaningful metrics that can indicate your progress and performance. Afterward, collect constructive and actionable feedback from yourself and others. Trying out new communication tools can be fun and rewarding. It can help you discover new ways to communicate, connect, and collaborate with others. What are some of the new communication tools that you have experimented with or want to experiment with? How did they help you build or maintain relationships?

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?