Qualities of a Good Message
Communication is the most important quality in having good relationships with others. Communication is key when you are running you own business. Communicating acts as a bridge, which transfers thoughts and emotions from one person to another. A right message is only effective if the intended audience understands its meaning. Many qualities make up a good message.
Brief
The first quality of a good message is that it should be brief and to the point. When you think about what you want to say, think about how much information will be relevant to your audience. Some details can become cumbersome if they are not significant, so try to cut out unnecessary parts of what you have to say. This is very important when dealing with customers which don’t have a lot of time on their hands.
Concise
A message should also be concise. Make sure that you do not ramble in your message. You want to get your point across, so keep it simple and clear. Do not worry about sounding too blunt when making a decision, but instead focus on conveying what you mean in the clearest way possible.
Accuracy
You should always be very careful with what you say and be as accurate as possible. Using slang terms and common figures of speech can often lead to misinterpretation and confusion, especially if your audience is not familiar with those words or phrases. Be sure that you speak on the same wavelength as others by using proper vocabulary and avoiding idiomatic expressions. This can also present a more professional tone to your wouldbe customers.
Brevity
It may seem obvious, but many people tend to overdo it when talking. They talk very fast, including unnecessary details, or too many analogies, so do not fall into this trap. Transitions between points should flow smoothly, so avoid rushing the conversation or getting off-topic, because both of these things can cause your listener to lose focus and interest.
Clarity
It is important to be very clear in what you are trying to say so that your audience can understand it properly without asking for any clarification. Gregg Roman gives several good examples of this in his presentations. Avoid being vague or ambiguous by taking extra care not to assume anything, because this means that you are assuming the other person catches on quickly without needing any further explanation. To keep your communication effective, try writing down exactly what you want to say beforehand to avoid misunderstandings later on.
Courtesy
This means being mindful of the other person’s feelings and not crossing any boundaries. It is important to be polite and respectful when speaking to someone, even if you disagree. Using offensive language or insulting someone will only aggravate the situation and make it difficult for both parties to have a constructive conversation.
Empathy
It can be defined as understanding how the other person feels and taking their perspective into account. This is especially important when communicating with someone upset or angry. Instead of reacting defensively, try to understand why they are feeling that way and see things from their point of view. If you can put yourself in their shoes, it will be easier to resolve the problem.
Nonverbal Communication
This involves sending and receiving messages through body language and facial expressions. It is important to be aware of your body language and the other person’s because it can often contradict what you say verbally. For instance, if you are crossing your arms and legs, it may come across as defensive or unapproachable, whereas if you are making eye contact and smiling, it will show that you are interested in what the other person is saying.
Many qualities make up a good message. By keeping these things in mind, you will communicate more effectively with others and resolve any conflicts that may come up. Remember to be polite, respectful, and understanding towards the other person and always see things from their perspective.
