IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS IN THE WORKPLACE By Trudy Janulewicz

What is communication? How do we use communication in the workplace? We use communication in everything that we do. We use it when we talk to each other, send an email, or even when we do not say a word. Our body language communicates more about us than we realize. It involves the tone of voice you use, your posture, facial expressions and actions that we use.
According to the Webster’s dictionary says “The imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs. Something imparted, interchanged, or transmitted, esp. a document or message giving news, information, etc.”
So what I am wanting you to do during this presentation is to think about the different ways that you use communication throughout each day at work. You will use all types of communication from verbal, nonverbal, and voice (tone). It is stated in this chart that you use your nonverbal, or body language and facial cues, 55% of the time. You use voice or tone 38% and verbal only 7% of the time. When you look at these statistics you should stop and think about what is going to make the most impact on your audience.
So when you think about the different times you would use communication while in the workplace, here are some area you might consider. They are one-on-one meetings, phone conversations, group meetings, customers, and basically every aspect of your workday. When you are considering these things you have to take into consideration what type of communication you will be using the most. When you are in a one-on-one or group meeting, dealing with customers, or anytime you are face to face with other people you will be using all three forms of communication. You also need to remember that even though you say one thing but if your body language and tone of voice say something different, you will be communicating two different things. You may know what you are trying to convey to the other person but if they are reading your other types of communication wrong then they will think something else. So make sure you stop and think before you try and convey a specific message.
Things that you should remember about communication. Communication is a two-way street, if you are the only person talking you do not have a conversation you have a monolog. You need to make sure that you are not doing all of the talking.
When you are involved with face to face communication you need to respect the person you are talking. Show them the same courtesy that you would want. Make sure that they know that they are important to you.
When you are in a leadership position make sure that you communicate in a clear concise manner. When you are instructing people, if your instructions are unclear, than you will not be able to accomplish your goals. You will end up with a partially finished product and it will be your fault as well as theirs.
You will need to view information as “service to” not “power over.” When you are in charge of other people you can have much greater success with communication, when your employees see you as just someone that has power over them they could feel like you are unapproachable. You need to make sure they know that you do not come across as someone that cannot be approach when an issue arises. You need to be accessible, not in an overly friendly way but in a respectful way. Basically you communicate the respect for your employees and customers that you expect.
This is a very important point. Make you that you listen as well as talk. You will learn so much more when you take the time to listen to those around you. That will also build trust. You communicate that you care enough about them to listen. Listening is a vital aspect of working around others. When you listen to customers you learn what they their needs are. You can also learn what the needs of the market are or just a request of an employee. When you are