Often we carry on entire conversations in our heads without involving the other person. And then they come home and we are angry at them and they don’t know why.  When we plan our conversation in our heads and then start talking – we often do not let the other person in on out initial thoughts and then they are confused and unclear as to what we are talking about. For example, we are on the phone and we end our conversation – turn to our co-worker and say, “he’s agreed and it will be decided next week”. Our co-worker, who has not been a part of our telephone conversation – looks confused and says “who’s agreed and what is happening next week”.

Effective communication takes place when we introduce the topic to the other person before we invite them to participate in the conversation. Think of it as bringing them up-to-date so that we are all starting from the same place.

Update: I have just begun work on my 3rd book which is due out Summer 2009. The working title is "The No-nonsense Guide to Clear and Effective Communication".

Barb
www.barbsmallcoaching.com