While high technology topics currently dominate the world of work, human communications are still required in making the world turns. Communications take place everywhere - at work, at home, at play and at other social encounters. Those who are serious about career development must have good communication skills.

Human communications take place under two conditions: spontaneous and planned. The first is unrehearsed and second allows for preparation. To handle both situations effectively, two factors should be considered: communication style and communication substance.

Communication Style

Communication style describes the manner in which human messages are transmitted. Many people consider this to mean speaking clearly, logically and concisely and beware of using idioms and slang. True, these factors are important. But there is more.

Effective communications require that you not only understand the style of others but also that of your own. This approach enables you to effectively identify and reconcile any misunderstandings or conflicts caused by different communication styles.

People adopt different communication styles as a result of their upbringing, education, age, gender, experience, etc. Some people speak very fast while others talk at a measured pace. You could find the first group of communicators at public auctions and the second group at diplomatic functions. Also, some people speak with hand movements while others display great physical restraints. Which style is right or better? The answer depends on the situation.

Quite often, people reject incoming messages outright because the sender communicates differently. The result is a complete breakdown in communication, damaging working and business relationships.

To achieve optimum communication results, learn to recognize the key variables of your own styles. You then would be able to better gauge the impact of your style on others. Similarly, by recognizing the style of others, you can minimize the confusion caused by it.

Gestures, speed, tone of voice are observable variables in verbal communications. However, subtle communication variables also influence the outcome of human communications.

Here are the key variables and corresponding scales that determine communication styles:

1. Method of Articulation (Direct - Semi-Direct - Indirect) The degree to which messages are sent via direct (to the point) statements versus indirect references.
2. Reliance on Protocol (High - Medium - Low) The degree of emphasis placed on formality (tradition) versus on informality (layback) when communicating with others.
3. Basis of Authority (Facts - Facts & Intuition - Intuition) The degree to which reasoning and judgment are supported by data and statistics versus by intuition.
4. Method of Interaction (Initiating - Trading Words - Listening) The degree to which one takes the initiative versus relies on listening in communication.
5. Mode of Expression (Rational - Semi-Rational - Emotional) The degree of relying on logic and facts versus on emotional reactions.

With more and instant communications in the Internet Age, understanding and reconciling the communication styles of people with different cultural backgrounds becomes more important in successful human interactions. For example, Asians immigrants with limited English capabilities would prefer listening and formal communication protocols whereas Native Americans opt for speaking and informal communication protocols.

Communication Substance

To many, communication substance refers to the technical subject matter involved. For instance, a network engineer thinks that she is a good communicator because she knows a lot about computer networks. Similarly, having learned a lot about taxation, an accountant would think that he has the substance to communicate effectively.

That is partially correct. Knowing the subject matter enables you to communicate with your head, but knowing the culture of others enables you to communicate with your heart.

Why is it important to communicate with your head AND heart? Because it is the only way in which you can reach out AND touch others.

Let's look and determine which messages (1 or 2) are more effective:

1. I heard that you have completed phase I ahead of time. Great job?
2. Congratulations? I heard that you have completed Phase I ahead of time. You must be born in the Year of the Horse! Only racehorses can work so fast.

1. I know you have worked overtime and still are unable to catch up. Do you need any help?
2. I know you have been overworked but still can't get it done. If you need help, just ask. As the old Chinese saying goes: "It's easier to work the field with more hands"!

1. Happy (Chinese) New Year!
2. Happy (Chinese) New Year! Where is my red envelope?

Conclusion

Great communicators know how to identify and take advantage of the various communication styles and add "substance" to its messages. They are good at the art of human communication.

The sample messages shown above are directed at workers of Chinese heritage and experience. In California, a State well known for its ethnic and cultural diversities in the workplace and marketplace, it is important for you, especially the aspiring supervisors and managers, to acquire and add "substance" to your communication, be it conducted with white Americans, Hispanic Americans, African Americans, etc.

In closing, here is some food for thought: President Lincoln once said, "If I had only eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe."