Improve Team Communication – As a Speaker and a Listener!

What would you do if you knew that communication with your teammates was going to fail?? After all, you inherently know that there will be a communication mishit, but we just don’t know when or where it is going to be!? Whether it is during a face-to-face meeting, a virtual meeting, email, text message or shared document, here are some ideas to improve team communication.

To improve team communication as the speaker:

• Share Your Purpose. ?Be clear about your purpose for the communication and how it will contribute to the overall team goal(s). This helps prevent confusion and ensures everyone is working toward the same objectives.
• Set the Tone. Use a respectful and considerate tone in written and spoken communication. Avoid sarcasm, condescension, or aggressive language that could alienate or offend others.
• Express Yourself Clearly.? Share your ideas and information as clearly and concisely as you can. Use simple language, and avoid jargon and unnecessary complexity that could confuse others.
• Be Concise.? Get to the point without unnecessary verbosity.
• Be Organized. Be clear and organized when writing emails, messages, or documentation. Use bullet points, headings, and formatting to make information easy to digest.
• Stay Focused.?During meetings or discussions, stay on topic and avoid going off on tangents. This helps maximize efficiency and keeps communication relevant.
• Be Positive.?Use a positive and professional tone in all communications. Positive language can boost morale and foster a more collaborative atmosphere.
• Watch the Nonverbals. Pay attention to the team’s nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These cues can give you a clue as to whether they understand or care about what you are saying…or not.
• Adapt Your Style. Be willing to adapt your communication style to accommodate the preferences and needs of different team members as well as cultural differences that may impact communication styles and norms.
• Show Your Appreciation.?Express appreciation and give credit where it’s due. Acknowledging others’ contributions fosters a positive team culture.
• Summarize.? After discussions or meetings, follow up with action points, summaries, or any decisions made. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and knows what’s expected moving forward.

To improve team communication as the listener:

• Actively Listen. Give your full attention to the speaker, ask clarifying questions, and demonstrate understanding.?Team members should listen attentively to one another, showing genuine interest in what the speaker is saying. Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and responding appropriately to demonstrate understanding.
• Watch the Nonverbals.?Pay attention to the speaker’s nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures. These cues can convey additional information and emotions beyond words.
• Ask Questions.?If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s better to seek understanding than to make assumptions.?Misunderstandings can lead to errors and confusion, so seek clarity to ensure everyone is on the same page.
• Be Timely. Respond to messages and inquiries promptly. Delayed communication can hinder progress and cause frustration among team members.? Respond promptly to messages and requests, respecting others’ time and priorities. Prompt communication helps keep projects on track and prevents delays.

Regardless of whether you are the speaker or listener, you can:

• Be Open and Honest: Encourage an environment where all team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and feedback openly. Honesty fosters trust and helps solve problems more efficiently and can address issues before they escalate.
• Show Respect. ?Treat each team member with respect and empathy. Understand and acknowledge their perspectives, even if they differ from your own. This creates a positive and inclusive communication atmosphere.
• Be Empathetic.?Understand and consider the perspectives, feelings, and motivations of your teammates. Empathy enhances understanding and promotes a supportive team dynamic.
• Give and Receive Feedback.?Provide constructive feedback in a respectful manner. Focus on the issue at hand rather than making it personal. Likewise, be open to receiving feedback and use it as an opportunity for growth. Positive feedback reinforces good practices, while constructive criticism helps team members grow.
• Use Technology Wisely.?Use appropriate communication tools and platforms for your team’s needs. Choose the right tools for instant messaging, video conferencing, project management, and document sharing. Ensure that everyone is comfortable with the technology and knows how to use it effectively.
• Resolve Conflicts.?Address conflicts and disagreements professionally and constructively. Focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.
• Check-In Regularly.? Schedule regular team meetings or check-ins to keep everyone updated on progress, share information, and address any concerns.

Finally, assuming that miscommunications WILL happen, take responsibility for your own communication. If you realize you’ve made a mistake or were unclear, acknowledge it and work towards resolving any misunderstandings.

Indeed, effective communication is a two-way street. Everyone on the team plays a role in fostering an environment where communication flows smoothly, and everyone feels heard and valued.? What if every team member assumes miscommunication is part of the process and took a bit more ownership to improve team communication?

Related Articles:

How to Improve Virtual Team Communication

Enhance Team Communication Through Body Language (Even Virtually)

Active Listening: The Key to Enhance Teamwork

Kristin Arnold MBA, CSP, CPF, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame | Master, is a professional panel moderator and high stakes meeting facilitator who shares her best practices for interactive, interesting, and engaging panel presentations. She is the author of the award-winning book, Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve and Inspire Audiences to Action.