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The development of effective business communication practices is really the end result of work we must first do physically, spiritually and diagnostically. With these three discoveries, we can then practice communications effectively.Let's explore these three components:

1) Physically- People frequently associate communications with speaking and listening. Although these components are critical, people sometimes ignore that communications is the physical exercise of words,voice and body language. Extensive study reveals that words are only 7 percent of a message but voice is 38 percent and body language a whopping 55 percent. If we reflect on times of conflict with people who we perceive are difficult, it is much more their tone of voice and how they said things rather than what they said.

2) Spiritually- By spiritually here, I mean taking accountability for our behavior. Suggestion: get feedback from colleagues or associates. We frequently see ourselves differently than the world sees us. Self assessment is a double edged sword.

3) Diagnostically- Armed with this feedback and what our priorities arfe for effective change,we can develop some form of action plan.

Let me devote the remainder of the essay to now some basic practices that I have offered as a communications and presentation skills trainer:

* Negotiation and Problem Solving- Start from a base of agreement and then move to disagreement. If we start with disagreement,the other person is on the defensive.

* Presentation Skills- Dynamic and entertaining speakers are not always the most effective in the business environment. Consider these questions to be more effective: Do you care more about how you are doing than what's in it for the audience? Are you glad you are making the presentation? Are you glad that the audience is there? Is your delivering in the moment or is it the past because you are not fully prepared or in the future because you can't wait to finish? If you answer these questions in a positive way, your voice and body language as well as your words will be effective.

* Listening- If you listen for facts by probing, you are at the second highest level of listening. The most effective is listening from your heart which balances the person's feeling as well as the facts of the problem. A few tips: concentrate by not doing any other tasks when listening. It is a giveaway to the person and its impossible to do something else and get the full message. Also, exercise emotional control in meetings by not killing the messenger. It is the message they are conveying that is the issue.

The most important practice is the process of managing your ego. Disagreements are healthy for change but they become conflicts when our ego is threatened. Our ego separates and alienates. The overall strategy for effective communication boils down to seven words: Its about what's right not who's right!

Learn more about this author, Joseph Wardy.
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