Basic Communication

I realized the other day that basic communication skills are becoming a lost art in today’s social media and texting world. We can’t afford to ignore the basics, etiquette included.

There is something to be said when it comes to using a person’s name, even in social media. For example, if you write ‘Thanks for the follow’ on Twitter – it is the right thing to do but it can be improved upon. The right thing to do, for effective communication, is to write ‘Thanks for the follow, Steve.’ I know this sounds simple, but using someone’s name when addressing them shows you are invested in the conversation.

Basic communication also includes saying exactly what you mean. Too many people try to sugar coat things or use other people as a tool to communicate something they find hard to say in person or online. Don’t be this person. Communication is about being direct. People will appreciate your honesty. Remember, it isn’t what you say but how you say it. You can be polite and direct at the same time.

The basics of communication include using a name and being direct with the other person. It is difficult to comprehend how these two simple steps have become so lost in today’s culture, but they have. Let’s correct this together.

Twyla Garrett