“Communication is key.” We have all heard this before. But how often do we practice it with the people in our daily lives or the people we do business with or the ones we meet at random times like the grocery store line? If communication is a connection between people than how well are our relationships?

Joe Rutland, author and writer for six large publications, has a few tips on helping us improve the way we speak. He had taught many businesses over the years how to “communicate better with their words for a bigger impact.” I know for sure his words have helped me figure out what area to focus on and improve when I speak.

 

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“The same thing is true when you are running your own show. You have to speak clearly and respectfully all the time or you are going to lose clients, employees and business.”

 

When developing good communication skills, it’s important to remember these five ways that will help you in the long run:”

1. Be respectful.

Don’t start writing or talking down to people. It doesn’t matter if they are an employee or client. Treat them in a way that you would want to be treated. Speak respectfully, and use words that actually show you have a semblance of caring about them as human beings. Word gets around, especially in the millisecond-world of social media, if you are always dissing people.

2. Be authentic.

If you believe people cannot see you as other than your real self, then you’re putting out some bad vibes. There’s an old line attributed to President Abraham Lincoln, “You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you can’t fool all the people all the time.” Whether you choose to believe Honest Abe’s wise words or not, they are true. Authenticity is a cornerstone of long-term success.

3. Be thoughtful.

Take a good look at how many entrepreneurs these days believe that being a showoff is actually a good thing. Where did thoughtfulness get lost in handling business and clients? It will make you stand out from the crowd a whole lot more when you are thoughtful than when you’re yelling every single day. There are men and women who definitely make bank on their personal style which does include flavorful words. In the long run, though, thoughtfulness actually wins the race. People will remember you not only for your actions but your kind words, too.

4. Be careful.

Remember all of your website and social media platform content? You can litter it with honest, forthright content or wave your arms in the air and yell, “Look at me, look at me.” There have been times where people forget what they are saying and doing. They are not careful with their words. Corporations simply despise anyone who speaks truth to “the machine.” Even those managers need to learn over and over again about being careful with their words and actions. Carelessness does not equal long-term success. This is a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs, young and old alike, to remember.

5. Be compassionate.

Don’t compare the word “compassionate” with “being soft.” It’s not the same. No matter why you started a business, there was something bigger than the dollars involved. It might be a product or service that changes how people go about their daily lives. The power of compassion as an entrepreneur has its winning edges. “Being soft” is a throwaway term used loosely by those who are not in touch with their own hearts. Compassion toward your message, clients and customers makes a large impact. It will make you stand out from the crowd.

Take a step back from the day-to-day grind, and observe the way you use words and phrases with people. It might make all the difference in your world.

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For the full article visit here: Entrepreneur