Increasing your relevance

How do we increase the relevance of what we say or write? How do you help ensure that what you say will be heard and understood by your colleague or coworker?

Let's start by considering how we listen to others. Whenever we are listening to someone, there is one universal question that everyone asks. Whether we’re aware of it or not, the question is:

How can you help me? 

We like people who can help us. We pay attention to them, and we listen to them. We might say that they "speak my language", or that they "just make sense". People that can help us are relevant.

When seeking to speak or write in a relevant way, there are three common enemies that prevent a message from being heard – these are confusing, selling or preaching to others, and they each produce a negative emotion.

• Confusing comes from not giving one clear message or take-away. This may include using jargon that others don't understand. Confusing people causes frustration.
• Selling. Selling involves trying to persuade an audience by talking about features and benefits, rather than giving a straightforward description that allows people to make an informed choice. Selling creates suspicion.
• Preaching involves talking about what matters to you, not your audience. Preaching is generally accompanied by talking a lot more than listening. Preaching creates scepticism.

We increase our relevance and help others by being clear. Help others understand you by avoiding common mistakes and taking the time to clarify your message. 

To read a longer article that further explores how to communicate more clearly, click here