Communicating With Style

One of the most fundamental concepts of communication in the work environment is making sure that your message is "audience-oriented". This means not only communicating what is most important to the audience but also communicating in a way that the audience will get most out of the information being presented. As an instructor I spend a lot of time working with students on communication in the workplace. The cause of most misunderstandings is ineffective communication.

In our organizations communicating information is an ongoing, vital component of our daily operations. Whether information is being communicated through a written memo, a formal presentation, or a structured training, business owners and managers want to be mindful that we all take in and process information differently. Understanding learning styles is one tool that can help facilitate effective communication. To communicate successfully and with the most impact you must know if your audience needs to see, hear or touch the concepts you are presenting to really absorb the information.

What are the types of learning styles?

Visual Learners (sight)
Visual learners like to not only see the information being presented (handouts, charts, slides, etc) they need to see the person who is presenting it. They like to see the facial expressions and body language of the presenter. These learners learn best from visual displays such as videos, illustrations, and diagrams. And will often sit in the front of the room and take copious notes.

Auditory Learners (sound)
Auditory learners like to get into discussions. They want to hear what someone knowledgeable has to share and they want to participate in discussing it further. These learners may wish to tape record the information being presented and also benefit from reading it aloud. They are typically tuned into what is not said as well. They seek to interpret underlying meanings based on the sound or tone of the presenter's voice.

Kinesthetic Learners (experience)
Kinesthetic learners prefer the hands-on approach. They like to be active participants in learning and get the most of our moving and doing. A demonstration goes a long way with this type of learner but being physically involved in the process is going to be their preference.

As business owners and managers, we are part of a complex network of relationships. We strengthen our team and promote organizational development by recognizing our differences and playing to our strengths. It is also beneficial for all team members, managers and employees alike, to understand their own learning styles. This can be a very fun and powerful exercise. Consultants and trainers can help you and your staff discover your style. There are also great resources available from books as well as online. Once we have an understanding of our own learning style and the fundamentals of the others, you use this information to work more productively and efficiently. Neither all employees nor all managers process information or learn in the same manner.

Using a multi-dimensional delivery method is not always the easiest way to educate and communicate information. It is important to recognize these differences in ourselves and our employees and communicate in ways that recognize this diversity of learning styles. Communication and learning in the workplace will be much more successful if we know who we are and who our audience is as well as a little about how they perceive and process information.