In terms of communication, there are four main categories of people. Be aware of them as that will help you understand how to get your point across effectively.
1. Red: Very direct. They get straight to the point. Sometimes they may even be considered rude.
2. Yellow: Emotional, caring. They follow their heart and are protective.
3. Green: Analytical, like to know a lot. If they don’t have enough information, they may find it hard to speak.
4. Blue: They say what they think, they like to have fun. Sometimes they haven’t properly thought through what they are saying.
Most people have a primary colour and a secondary one. So for people who are, say, yellow communicators, you need a rather subtle approach. If you treat them as reds, they will be offended or angry.
In contrast to that, a red expects you to be blunt. So when you know the person you are talking to, tailor your way of communication in order to convey the message effectively.
Use the following tips recommended by the addicted2success.com website and foster your communication skills.
Ask yourself these 3 questions
- Am I being honest?
- Does what I intend to say really convey the message I am trying get across?
- Will the message be of benefit to my audience?
Never make promises you can’t keep. Don’t raise false expectations either. Just be honest. The second question is about making clear what it is you actually want to say. Here even just a brief pause for thought may prevent confusion and misunderstanding.
Think about the words you use: you cannot unsay what you have just said. If what you are going to say will help neither other people nor you yourself, maybe you are talking just for the sake of saying something. So stop and think about what clear message you want to present here. Maybe you just want to validate others and encourage them. That too can be a perfectly legitimate goal: you just have to be aware of the fact.
-jk-