The Importance of CLEAR Communication

I JUST RECEIVED a message that something I ordered online was ready for pickup. I had to listen to the message more than once to understand it, because it was so fast and mumbled.

This is something I have observed in many phone conversations over the years, as well as personal interactions. It is a mumbled version of words that are supposed to be either a message or a conversation, however, the person on the receiving end can’t make out what the individual is attempting to communicate.

We talk a lot in business about the importance of communication. Something that is often missed though is the actual way words are spoken, and how often you can’t understand what a person is attempting to communicate, because of mumbling.

This has nothing to do with accents, culture or anything of this nature. It is comparable to dragging your feet….sort of a lazy way of speaking words.

Many are not aware they even do this…

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF

• Listen to others, and become aware of how mumbling sounds. If you can’t understand someone, think for a moment why you can’t understand them, and make note of this in your own conversations.
• Speak slowly and clearly. It isn’t a race. Speak to provide clarity.
• Open your mouth when speaking. Often those that mumble, barely open their mouths when speaking….like a person walking that drags their feet.
• Pronounce your words, don’t let your words all run together.
• Sit up or stand up straight when speaking
• Record your voice and listen to how you sound….this alerts you to things to improve on
• Speak to be understood, not just to get through

If people are asking you to repeat what you said, you could be mumbling. Be aware, and make it your goal to communicate to be understood, instead of rushing through the communication, or you risk the listener being frustrated or disengaged in what you are saying. Good communication starts with having an awareness of how you want to be heard.


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