1 Simple Question To Improve Communication

Communication is an area of opportunity for nearly every team and business I've worked with.

Some groups need more FREQUENT connections.

Others need more EFFECTIVE conversations.

Many need BOTH.

Here's a simple question you can ask to start improving the quality of communication in your organization today: "What did you hear me say?"

I've been speaking to groups for more than three decades. When preparing, I focus on how I can best organize and present information to connect with and impact those listening.

Every now and then, after I finish a talk- something fascinating happens.

Someone will approach me and thank me for something I said that I didn't actually say.

In reality, they are telling me what they heard.

Often, there's a gap between what we intend to communicate and what others hear.

We can narrow- or even eliminate- that discrepancy by asking for feedback as we wrap up important conversations.

Having someone tell me what they heard me say allows me to clarify if necessary and increases the expectation of accountability going forward.

Here are a few other ways you could phrase this question:

• What are you taking away from this conversation?

• Based on what I shared, what do you think my expectations are going forward?

• How would you sum up what you think I am trying to communicate?

How about you?

Do you invite clarity with questions like this?

Have other strategies to ensure that others are hearing what you are actually saying?