As the world comes to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic, the past few weeks have seen several new terms become popular -social distancing being only one of them. With many people encouraged to work from home and keep their distance from one another, a very important component of communication is on the line --visual cues.
We thought we'd share a few tips to make conversations a little more efficient during this period. Some of them are from the 10 "Rules of Conversation" we use at Network Meetings and others are specifically for these times.
1. Consider having more phone/video calls
To ensure quicker responses and prevent your message from being buried in a pile of emails, consider putting a phone call through when working from home.
2. Word emails/text carefully
This is important even when you're not working from home. It is very important to choose the tone of your words carefully so that you're not taken out of context. A helpful rule of thumb is to always put yourself in the receiver's position and decide how you'd prefer to receive any message. Even weighty matters can be delivered in a way that is graceful and helpful to the receiver.
3. Listen- with patience
Yes, emotions are running high and uncertainty is a widespread feeling. But this might be an opportunity to slow down and learn to be a better listener. Don't assume you know the end of a point someone is making and cut them short by helping them finish it.
4. Use simple words
This is important when wording emails. Be as clear and concise as possible and deliver your message without ambiguity (*tongue out*). Really, Avoid long speeches and tedious stories-keep it short with the point in mind.
5. Take time off your gadgets
While being cooped up for an extended period has its downside, it is an opportunity to have meaningful conversations. Ferret out little ways to be happy away from the media.
6. Watch what you share
Finally, there is a ton of information out there, make sure that the ones you're sharing are not only true but helpful. Do not spread needless panic with whatever medium you have.
Stay safe, keep your hands clean and share this post!
Sitting across from people, a delicious cup of coffee in your hand, the excitement of conversation swirling around the room, watching people's faces as they express their opinions; oh yeah, that's where we feel at home. But we haven't been able to do that for months. So how have we been keeping on? Here's how:
As the world comes to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic, the past few weeks have seen several new terms become popular -social distancing being only one of them. With many people encouraged to work from home and keep their distance from one another, a very important component of communication is on the line --visual cues.