In this two part article we are going to discuss how to use business soft skills in your personal life. Clear cut and concise communications are essential in the business world, but are also a necessary in your personal life. In this two part series we will talk about the four essential guidelines in communications. Some people take a lot of time and effort to communicate in business but get very lackadaisical when talking to spouses, friends or family. It is almost like we are more relaxed when away from work and don’t take the effort to REALLY communicate when it is most important. Here are four key points to remember when communicating at home. #1 Speak so you can be understood. It is important to speak at the proper speed. Not too fast or too slow. If you speak too fast, you spouse or family member will misunderstand you. If you speak too slowly, it just gets on everyone’s nerves and they will want to “pull” the words out of you. It really corrupts communications. You must also make sure that you “project” your voice properly so it reaches the person to whom you are talking. If you speak too softly, people will start “guessing” what you are saying because they get tired of saying “excuse me?” Or after a while they will just pretend they understand you. This is a real problem in clubs and in busy restaurants where it is noisy. Bottom line, if you cannot be heard or hear the other person, you are not communicating! #2 Slang or metaphors. Metaphors are a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that ordinarily designates one thing is used to designate another. For example, instead of saying, “now it’s Bills’ turn.” You might say, “The ball is in his court.” Metaphors (or slang) can be used to help make a point or to make speaking more colorful, but you should not use them too often. Also, if your friends or relatives are from other countries or cultures, they might misunderstand or may find them embarrassing. Slang can be very regional, sports related, culturally centered or industry related. Some slang changes monthly while others are constantly being modified. Bottom line, it is OK to use slang or metaphors, just use them properly and don’t overdo it. The key is to never cause any form of miscommunication when using metaphors or slang in your personal life. In the next part two of this two part article we will discuss using bad language and using words properly in business. Jim Stedt is a partner at The Business SoftSkills Company (GetSoftSkillsNow.Com) located in Santa Ana, California. They provide job readiness and workforce success videos for education, business, prisons and individual use. Training is available online, on DVD, or through an affiliate program. These products are the most complete and concise soft skills training packages now available for the price of an average college textbook.
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