Need a word ….

Communication is such a big word. Literally, it is a very long word to try to fit into emails, social media, promotional material, and even a newsletter about words.

There must be a better word.

Communication also covers a very wide spectrum. A communications degree could mean anything, from journalism to public relations to broadcast communications.

When I approach a client and suggest helping with the organization’s team communications, what does that mean?

I need a better word.

Words should be specific when we are trying to reach someone with a particular message. When we use words that have a wide variety of meanings, we open up the very real possibilities of misinterpretation and all the ramifications that come with it. Likewise, words that can be interpreted differently by different people can cause problems, including a complete lack of communication.

Oooh, there’s that word again!

What does your team do when they communicate in the workplace? They transmit a message in some form that is designed to engage, inform, educate, persuade, or connect with other humans. What does it mean when we talk about effective communications? It means your team has, in the process of transmitting that message, reached their goal of engaging, informing, educating, persuading, or connecting.

So, let’s work on communicating more effectively – or, engaging more fully – or, connecting more successfully – or, using words more specifically to get the message across in a way that is less open to misinterpretation.

Choose your words wisely … and let me know if you have a better word!