Have you ever invested time in engaging a content–reading a post, watching a video, or listening to a speech–only to feel frustrated and annoyed by the end because it felt like a waste of time? Yes, I know we’ve both experienced this. But why does this happen?
Often, it’s because the structure of the content doesn’t align with the audience’s expectations. The communicator might not know exactly what they are trying to convey, leading to a muddled message. Additionally, deviating too far from the main storyline can leave the audience confused and disengaged. This was how my writing was when I started writing on the Facebook writing groups I mentioned in the previous post.
I just write, but i’m not communicating. so after a lot of trial and errors i reached out to a member of the group with constant post publication which i learn from to know why all my writings have never been approved – and the answer was – you’re not communicating effectively.
Communicating Effectively
After our conversation that day, I went to YouTube and looked for blogs article on effective communication and consumed enough I could.
Communication is easy in theory, but what makes it challenging is ensuring that your message—whether in writing, video, or audio—is clearly understood and resonates with your audience.
Mubar Dauda
The key to successful communication is to express your thoughts well, ensuring that the reader or listener acknowledges and understands your message.
Tips for Effective Communication
Here are some tips I learned on how to communicate effectively.
- Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, speaking, or recording, understand who your audience is. What are their interests? What problems are they trying to solve? Tailor your message to address their needs and preferences.
- Be Clear and Concise: Avoid jargon and complex sentences. Aim for simplicity and clarity. Make sure your main points are easy to identify and follow a logical flow.
- Stay On Topic: Stick to the core message you want to communicate. Avoid tangents that can confuse or distract your audience from the main point.
- Engage Your Audience: Use stories, examples, and questions to engage your readers or listeners. This makes your content more relatable and memorable.
- Use Feedback: Pay attention to feedback from your audience. This can provide insights into what resonates with them and what doesn’t, helping you improve your communication over time.
Choosing Your Communication Medium
Pick any form of communication that feels natural and easy for you. Some people find it difficult to express their thoughts through writing, which is perfectly fine. There are other forms of communication as well. If video or audio feels more natural, use those mediums to express yourself. The goal is to ensure your audience acknowledges and understands your message.
For me, I have a bit of ‘video-phobia‘—I can’t comfortably record a video of myself. Even though you might have seen video content from me before, believe me, I’m still building confidence in that area. On the other hand, some people suffer from ‘glossophobia,’ the fear of public speaking, which is something I find effortlessly easy. The key is to find the medium that works best for you and build your communication skills around it.
Making Your Audience Acknowledge Your Message
After following each tips provided above, I got my first post publicized on the platforms and since then it’s just getting better, and I am here writing to you.
Have you been writing, creating video or audio contents and no engagement? You can try all these tips I shared and trust me you will see the transformation just as I saw mine. Or you just want to start, this post is a perfect go to you all need.
To ensure your audience acknowledges and understands your message, always aim to:
- Provide Value: Make sure your content is valuable to your audience. Whether it’s informative, inspirational, or entertaining, it should offer something that the audience finds worthwhile.
- Be Authentic: Authenticity builds trust. Share your genuine thoughts and experiences, and your audience will be more likely to connect with you.
- Encourage Interaction: Ask questions, invite comments, and engage with your audience’s responses. This creates a two-way communication channel and makes your audience feel involved.
What form of communication do you find easiest to express yourself? Is it writing, speaking, or perhaps creating videos? Share your thoughts and let’s continue this conversation!
As always, remember that communication is key, and finding the best way to express your thoughts is crucial for effective interaction. Keep practicing and refining your skills, and your audience will surely acknowledge your awesomeness.
….to your productive growth