Finding the Right Words

Communication is truly an art form, one that requires study and practice. No matter the circumstance or setting, finding the right words to convey the message you want to impart and get the result you desire requires some finesse. The MedMan team was fortunate to have Diane Brennan and Alexandra Ross, the authors of Back Pocket Coach: 33 Effective Communication Strategies for Work & Life join us for a discussion on a few strategies shared in their book. My personality type is non-confrontational and I'm all about keeping harmony, both professionally and personally. A couple of specific circumstances and subsequent phrases that will serve me well are:

• Circumstance: When you find yourself in disagreement with others

• Strategies

• Help me understand...

• What are we thinking but not saying here?

• Circumstance: When you need to buy time

• Strategies

• Let me take some time to consider this

• Hold that thought!

Having a few key phrases in your 'back pocket' puts you in a position to drive conversations in the direction of being productive and effective.