In this two part article we are discussing how to use business soft skills in your personal life. Clear cut and concise communications are essential in the business world, but are also necessary in your personal life. Here are final two (of four) key points to remember when communicating at home. In the first two points we covered speaking to be understood and the problem in using slang or metaphors. In this second part of the article we will cover How to use words properly and getting your questions answered. #3 Using Words Properly. First make sure you know the proper definition and pronunciation of the words you are using. Never use words you do not really know. If you do you will only come off as incompetent or you are trying to make the other person feel dumb. Do not be one of those people who use words that most people have to look up. It just messes up the communications cycle. It does not make you look any smarter, it just frustrates everyone else. And finally if YOU hear a word that you do not understand, ask your spouse, friend or family what it means. #4 Answer all questions is the final point. If your spouse, friend or family asks you a question be sure to answer it properly. If you don’t - you leave an “open wound” in the middle of the communication cycle that will never go away. If you try to “talk around it” like a politician does, it still is unanswered and is just “hanging there.” When people do not answer questions you feel that they are hiding something or out and out lying. Either way clear and concise communications are going to suffer along with the relationship. If you do not know the answer to a question, tell your spouse, friend or family that you really “do not know.” That is a viable and realistic answer and although it may not solve the discussion, it is accurate and truthful. Conversely, if you ask a question, do not continue with the conversation until YOU get your question answered. Everyone needs to know that the basis of all good relationships is communications. If your verbal communications are compromised, there will be nothing but trouble, same as in the business world. So bottom line if you follow these four rules you can enhance you verbal communications at home and have a better experience and relationship with your spouse, friends and family! Jim Stedt is a partner at The Business SoftSkills Company (GetSoftSkillsNow.Com) located in Santa Ana, California. They provide job readiness and workforce success videos for education, business, prisons and individual use. Training is available online, on DVD, or through an affiliate program. These products are the most complete and concise soft skills training packages now available for the price of an average college textbook.
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