When was the last time you took a step or two back, put the professional you on pause, to consider if you are an effective communicator? If you have done just that lately, what did you learn, and, more importantly what did you change to become even more effective?

This is a relevant, timely exploration right now. Why? Because—as I pointed out in last month’s blog–effective communications and compelling content is very important in all business settings as organizations move toward new normal operations. And there’s no better time than this month to consider what effective communications is and if you are an effective communicator: June is Effective Communications Month.

Unfortunately, and ironically, Effective Communications Month resources are few and far between, not as effective as they could or should be.

I attempted to find the origin and context of Effective Communication Month. A Google search surfaced many references to the month, yet no one or organization takes credit. There is a site about the month with a timeline that begins with the first written word 9,000 years ago; a three-paragraph history of communications; another three paragraphs on why “we” (who’s we?) love Effective Communications Month; three FAQs; three ways to celebrate…. While not exactly robust, the site specializes in what many say is an effective communications practice: three key points.

‘Don’t Give Up’

A variety of other resources arrived atop the search returns as I tried to find out more about the month, and effective communications as a topic in general. The headlines included: “Effective Communications in Relationships;” “Improving Conflict Resolution Skills;” and “How To Improve My Poor Communications Skills.” That last article included 10 ways to improve. I found the last three particularly helpful, how about you?

• Take A Time Out
• Don’t Give Up
• Ask for Help.

And if 10 ways to improve didn’t prove effective for you, how about another expert (who shall remain nameless) and the list of “21 Communications Effectiveness Skills Every Professional Needs to Know.” The long-ish list didn’t adhere to the clarity—less is more—practice embraced by communications professionals.

An Effective Definition

To be sure the Web lists plenty of effective communications training programs and academic explorations. And there are many, many definitions of what effective communications is, including what’s below from an article in, of all things, “The Investor Book” ( What is Effective Communication? Definition, Characteristics, Skills, Significance, Barriers – The Investors Book)

“Effective communication is a process of exchanging ideas, thoughts, knowledge and information such that the purpose or intention is fulfilled in the best possible manner. In simple words, it is nothing but the presentation of views by the sender in a way best understood by the receiver.”

There you have it! So much of the effective communications discussion is about what a speaker, a writer, a communicator wants and needs to say, convey, send. This definition and, and the article overall, begins to deliver on what’s important and relevant. Effective communications is about “exchanging ideas.” Effective communications uses the “best possible manner,” is clear and concise. And effective communications is “best understood by the receiver.”

To effectively communicate, know your audience well, and never stop listening.

#EffectiveCommunicationsMonth
#CommunicationsContentConnections
#Communications