Communication can either build or ruin everything. Whether you are a manager desiring effective communication with your employees or teammates, a business owner with a partner, or in a relationship with someone—friends or a partner—you might wonder if you're communicating effectively with the person.
Believe me when I say I've been there many times. I used to be explicit; I said what I wanted to say just the way I wanted to say it without considering the receiver's feelings, which has probably hurt a few people. Therefore, I studied. Oh yes! I studied how to communicate effectively just so I don't hurt myself and those around me.
In this article, I will share some tips with you. So, whether you're a business owner, manager, employer, or someone who wants to learn how to communicate for impact, please follow me.
Communication is a powerful tool that inspires action at work and at home. There is an approach to effective communication known as EPIC - Empathy, Purpose, Insight, and Conversation.
Empathy - This is the first part of EPIC, stating that before you can map out how to get people from where they are now to where you want them to be, you need a good understanding of where they are. Not just who they are, which is important, but where they are in terms of their feelings, understanding, attitude, and behaviors regarding the topic. Make no assumptions. As an empathetic communicator, you need to have an inclusive mindset. Having an "over there" mindset allows you to focus on the other person and the broader relationship you want to build with your audience.
Purpose - This is the second part of EPIC. It involves defining what you want to get out of the meeting but goes beyond defining your needs and wants. It also considers the other person's needs and wants for the meeting. There are five purpose archetypes:
Understanding: Ensuring that everyone understands and is aligned with the work they've been asked to do.
Gathering and developing information and ideas: Creating a picture of the situation and facilitating problem-solving.
Rapport Building: Active listening, learning about concerns and motivation, and building a relationship.
Reassurance: Building confidence in the project and the insights being developed.
Decision Making: Providing insight and space for everyone to make an informed decision on a specific topic.
Insights - Insight is crucial in communication. Can you imagine communicating without insight? Boring, right? Yeah! It will be really dull. Not everyone has time to listen to uninspiring discussions, so it's essential that you make every moment count. Insights are generated by analyzing information and drawing conclusions. Both data and information set the stage for the discovery of insights that move the conversation forward.
Conversation - In the EPIC framework, Conversation refers to the actual exchange of ideas, information, and thoughts between individuals. It encompasses the verbal and non-verbal communication that takes place during a dialogue. Here are some key points to understand about the Conversation component:
Open Communication: Encourage an open and honest dialogue where participants feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions. It helps to foster an environment where individuals can share ideas, ask questions, and engage in a two-way exchange of information.
Active Listening: This involves giving full attention to the speaker, understanding their perspective, and responding thoughtfully.
Adaptability: Recognizing the dynamic nature of communication and the need to adapt the conversation style based on the context, audience, and goals is crucial. It allows for flexibility in communication and helps you to meet the needs of different individuals or situations.
Clarity and Conciseness: Always advocate for clear and concise communication to avoid misunderstandings. This encourages participants to express themselves in a manner that is easily understandable, promoting effective information exchange.
Respectful and Inclusive: Promote a conversation that is respectful of diverse perspectives and inclusive of all participants. Value the input of each individual and work towards creating a collaborative and positive communication environment.
Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop where participants can provide input, ask for clarification, and ensure mutual understanding. Understand that effective communication is an ongoing process that involves continuous feedback and adjustment.
Mastering this approach effectively will enable you to communicate effectively and make an impact. Be a good communicator; it helps build relationships both professionally and personally. I hope you gained value. Please share with the people you care about, and do not forget to subscribe, like, and comment.
Kind Regards,
Olamiji Akeredolu.