Understanding communication is only the first step. Now that you have a better understanding of the power of communication, it’s time to take a look at some of the strategies you can use to become a more effective communicator. If you decide to become a communications major, you’ll have opportunities to refine your communication abilities.
Just as all people are not the same, all people do not communicate in the same way. Since some people are more comfortable in certain situations than others, take the time to notice what makes the people in your life feel safe, comfortable and welcome, and approach them in this way.
A helpful tip might include finding out their “love language.” This is a tool that can show you how you best receive love and help your relational partners to understand how to communicate with you more effectively, especially when it comes to showing appreciation.1
Every good communicator has a knack for words, but truly effective ones know how to speak or write in a way that genuinely resonates with people. It can be off-putting to customers, clients or team members if they have to sort through technical jargon before they can figure out what you are saying.
Take your cue from writer Mark Twain, who once reportedly said, “Don’t use a five-dollar word when a 50-cent word will do.”2 Remember that the end goal and the power of communication is to convey an idea, and it is hard to get your message across if your audience is busy reaching for a dictionary.
During your time as a communications major at Grand Canyon University, one of the topics you will study is campaign development. Your future career may involve social, marketing or political campaign strategizing. In this field in particular, it is essential to know how to adjust your message based on your audience’s responses.
Remember that communication is a two-way street. Based on feedback, you may need to tweak the campaign strategies multiple times, while still remaining true to the core mission and values.
At GCU, communications majors can become skilled at addressing all sorts of audiences, including small teams. Leading and contributing to small groups are skills that you will likely develop further as you build your career. In these settings, visibility is important. Technology makes it easier than ever before to collaborate with someone remotely, whether that person is on a different floor in an office building or on the other side of the globe.
However, electronic communications cannot truly replace face-to-face interactions, or even a phone call. Your team will benefit from having a personal connection to you and to other team members. Maintaining your visibility as a team leader and scheduling regular face time will support team morale and engagement.
The most compelling message imaginable will still fall flat if it’s delivered by a person who doesn’t live according to their own words. In other words, it’s essential to ensure that your message is clear, understandable and compelling, but it’s equally as important that you heed it yourself. In order to gain people’s trust, you must match your actions to your words.
