“The Greatest problem in communication is the illusion that it has been accomplished.” George Bernard Shaw The great quote by George Bernard Shaw confirms what I have experienced in my 35 plus year career. And in my past 23 years in my own business, I cannot think of a single instance where “communication” was not listed as a problem, challenge, frustration, irritant, etc. in the focus groups, discussion groups and other strategic planning endeavors I have conducted. Communication is a challenge. And it is an opportunity for very positive impressions if one works at doing it effectively.

And let’s remember that communications involves listening and hearing also. I have seen and heard a multitude of slogans and communication campaigns that tout a company, organization or individual as a good listener. Well, I also want to know if they hear as well as they listen. Yes, we need to hear what someone is saying also.

In searching for some quick tips to share with you on communications, I found the following:

Quick Tips For Effective Communication The Top Ten List from www.advocacyguru.com

Know What You Want Know Who To Ask Know What You’re Talking About Be Polite, Personal, Thoughtful, and Rational Pick a Method of Communication that Works for You and Your Message Know When to Ask Don’t Underestimate the Value of Staff Follow Up Understand the Limitations of the System Have fun!

Ten Rules For Effective Listening From Dr Philip E. Humbert, author, speaker and personal success coach. Dr Humbert has hundreds of tips, tools and articles on his website that you can use for your own success! It’s a great resource! Visit him on the web at: www.philiphumbert.com And, be sure to sign up for his great newsletter!

Listening, really listening, with our whole being, is a skill and one of the most important compliments we can give another human being. The following 10 “rules” can help.

Stop Talking! It is difficult to listen and speak at the same time.

Put the other person at ease. Give them space and time and “permission” to speak their peace. How we look at them, how we stand or sit, makes a huge difference. Relax, and let them relax as well.

Show the other person that you want to hear them. Look at them. Nod when you can agree, ask them to explain further if you don’t understand. Listen to understand them and their words, rather than just for your turn.

Remove distractions. Good listening means being willing to turn off the TV, close a door, or stop reading your mail. Give the speaker your full attention, and let them know they are getting your full attention.

Empathize with the other person. Especially if they are telling you something personal or painful, or something you intensely disagree with, take a moment to stand in their shoes, to look at the situation from their point of view.

Be patient. Some people take longer to find the right word, to make a point or clarify an issue. Give the speaker time to get it all out before you jump in with your reply.

Watch your own emotions. If what they are saying creates an emotional response in you, be extra careful to listen carefully, with attention to the intent and full meaning of their words. When we are angry, frightened or upset, we often miss critical parts of what is being said to us.

Be very slow to disagree, criticize or argue. Even if you disagree, let them have their point of view. If you respond in a way that makes the other person defensive, even if you “win” the argument, you may lose something far more valuable!

Ask lots of questions. Ask the speaker to clarify, to say more, give an example, or explain further. It will help them speak more precisely and it will help you hear and understand them more accurately.

STOP TALKING! This is both the first and the last point, because all other tools depend on it. Nature gave us two ears and only one tongue, which is a gentle hint that we should listen twice as much as we talk.

If you like to learn more about how to improve your communication, listening and hearing skills, please contact Glenn Ebersole through his website at www.businesscoach4u.com or by email at jgeprman@aol.com

Glenn Ebersole, Jr. is a multi-faceted professional, who is recognized as a visionary, guide and facilitator in the fields of business coaching, marketing, public relations, management, strategic planning and engineering. Glenn is the Founder and Chief Executive of two Lancaster, PA based consulting practices: The Renaissance Group, a creative marketing, public relations, strategic planning and business development consulting firm and J. G. Ebersole Associates, an independent professional engineering, marketing, and management consulting firm. He is a Certified Facilitator and serves as a business coach and a strategic planning facilitator and consultant to a diverse list of clients. Glenn is also the author of a monthly newsletter, “Glenn’s Guiding Lines - Thoughts From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach” and has published more than 250 articles on business.

To find out more about the benefits & rewards of effectively working with a strategic thinking business coach, please contact Glenn Ebersole through his web site at http://www.businesscoach4u.com or jgecoach@aol.com