Communication Techniques

Overview

Using these structured communication bridges can enhance clarity and engagement, especially in spontaneous or high-stakes discussions.

Tips for Using Communication Bridges

1. Start Small: Begin by integrating 2-3 bridges that feel natural to you.
2. Observe Reactions: Notice how listeners respond when you clarify changes, summarize key points, or highlight actions.
3. Practice Consistency: Make these bridges a regular part of your speaking style.

Speak More Clearly: 8 Precise Steps to Improve Communication

1. Context Bridge

• Purpose: Aligns everyone by setting the context before diving into details.
• How to Use: Start with phrases like:
  • “At a high level…”
  • “This is our goal…”
  • "The main problem is..."
• Effect: Helps to focus thoughts and prevents initial rambling.

2. Change Bridge

• Purpose: Emphasizes shifts, trends, or significant moments in the discussion.
• How to Use: Use phrases that highlight changes, such as:
  • “Here’s the before, and here’s the after…”
  • “We’re shifting from X to Y…”`
  • “We are at a tipping point…”
• Effect: Grabs attention by making the change clear.

3. Insight Bridge

• Purpose: Shares deeper insights or unique perspectives, creating “aha” moments.
• How to Use: Key phrases include:
  • “Counterintuitively, …”
  • “Here’s what most people miss…”
  • “The deeper insight is…”
  • “The key point here is…”
• Effect: Signals that you’ve thought deeply, which moves the conversation forward.

4. Analysis Bridge

• Purpose: Anchors discussion in evidence, keeping it grounded.
• How to Use: Reference specific data points or comparisons with:
  • “The evidence shows…”
  • “The data indicates…”
  • “When we compared X and Y…”
• Effect: Focuses on facts, minimizing loss of direction.

5. Logical Transition Bridge

• Purpose: Provides a clear flow in the conversation, avoiding confusion.
• How to Use: Classic transitions include:
  • “First, second, third…”
  • “This leads to…”
  • “On the other hand…”
• Effect: Helps listeners follow along without losing the thread.

6. Summary Bridge

• Purpose: Ensures that key messages stay clear, especially in long discussions.
• How to Use: Frequently summarize main points with phrases like:
  • “The bottom line is…”
  • "If you remember one thing, it’s this..."
  • “To bring it back to the goal…”
• Effect: Reinforces the main message throughout the discussion.

7. Refinement Bridge

• Purpose: Allows for clarification or expansion of ideas as needed.
• How to Use: Rephrase or elaborate with:
  • “Let me break this down further…”
  • “Another way of looking at it is…”
  • “A useful analogy might be…”
• Effect: Clarifies complex points, helping everyone understand the core message.

8. Action Bridge

• Purpose: Concludes with actionable steps, defining the next moves.
• How to Use: Conclude with statements like:
  • "Our immediate priority is..."
  • “Here’s what we’ll do next…”
  • “The deliverables are…”
• Effect: Ends discussions with clear direction and accountability.