What messages am i sending

What Messages Am I

Sending?

Tips for guiding your communication; How to truly say what you want to

By: Shanoy Coombs,

Development Communication Consultant

www.ShanoyCoombs.com

January 2017

http://www.shanoycoombs.com/

Overview

What we Say versus What we MEAN

How we say what we say and how others INTERPRET it

Non verbal communication/BODY LANGUAGE

Speech APPROPRIATENESS-friends versus adults versus officials

How we communicate via SOCIAL MEDIA and effects on language Development

(c) Shanoy Coombs, Development Communication Consultant www.ShanoyCoombs.com

What is Communication?

Process of transferring information from One

place/person to another and includes sender

and receiver.

Importantly, Understanding and Feedback are

integral in the process

Also see definition at www.ShanoyCoombs.com


https://shanoycoombs.com/2016/12/21/shanoy-coombs-communications-specialist/

MESSAGES Acronym

Medium and Manner

Expressions

Sound

Say

Audience

General Appearance

Expectation

Social Media


Manner

The way in which something is done or how it

happens-method, technique or approach.

A person’s outward bearing or way of behaving

towards others-attitude, appearance, behavior and

how you conduct yourself.

Focuses on How you lookand carry yourself

How you look often sets the tone for what others

expect you to say!

Takeaway: Stand Tall, Walk with Purpose, Be polite but not boastful. Remember First Appearance Lasts!


Medium

Refers to the avenue through which you are

communicating

Should be appropriate for the person or persons

with which you are communicating

Is messenger conversation appropriate for your

teacher versus for your friends?

Consider Age, Personality, cultural practices etc

Takeaway: Think clearly about who you are communicating with and the best way to reach them.


Expressions

Includes Verbal and Non Verbal cues

Body Language plays an important role in

sending messages

Inspire confidence with eye contact, facial

expressions and body language in line with what

is being said

Remember the Same thing said differently has

different meanings

Takeaway: It is not what you say but HOW you Say it (including

how you LOOK saying it)


Sound

Is someone being bored to death? Do you

SOUND Angry? Annoyed? Intelligent? Happy?

The way you SOUND adds to the message that is

being sent.

Aim to listen to your voice! Ensure the pitch, the

volume and rhythm are in line with what you wish

to say.

Takeaway: Tone of Voice is key! Ensure it is line with messages

being sent.


Say

What exactly are you communicating?

Is the message clear? Appropriate? Understandable?

How are you saying what you say? Are persons encouraged to listen?

Conversations with peers should differ from that with adults and officials

Phrase sentences correctly, use words properly

Use punctuation appropriately

Takeaway: What you are saying is as important as how you say

it. Give it some thought and BE CLEAR!


Audience

Is your message reaching your audience?

Are they able to understand?

Are there any barriers such as age? Cultural

differences? Language differences? These need to be

addressed to send effective messages.

Are you using easily understood terms?

Takeaway: One Size does not fit all! Know who you are

speaking to and adjust the message and medium accordingly.


General Appearance

How you look is key to the messages you are

communicating

First Impressions do last

Practice proper posture

Inspire confidence via your appearance

Takeaway: Consider your audience and what is acceptable;

Let your appearance be an extension of your message.


Expectations

Your expectations and those of your audience can

affect the messages being sent.

Sometimes expectations may be incorrect-Clarify

ahead and communicate accordingly

Some expectations are important and go a long way-

well spoken, intelligent, confident

Improve messages you are sending by setting

personal expectations and exceeding them.

Takeaway: Different audiences have different expectations.

Seek balance around which is constructive or destructive.


Social Media

Social Media has effects on our communication

Habits online and offline

Who are you online and how does this differ

from who you are in person?

Is Social Media language/shorthand affecting your grammar/language development?

Takeaway: Be mindful of how you present/represent yourself

online. Ensure a virtual persona does not take away from who

you are as a person.


Key Points to remember


Medium and Manner

Expressions

Sound

Say

Audience

General Appearance

Expectation

Social Media

THANK YOUAre you social? Connect with Shanoy Coombs

on Twitter @InspiraShan

www.ShanoyCoombs.com


http://www.twitter.com/InspiraShan

http://www.shanoycoombs.com/

Presentations & Public Speaking

What messages am i sending