You’re going to learn something very useful by reading this article.
This “something” is so valuable that you might want to use it for the rest of your life.
But before you learn what it is, let me start by saying…
The older I get, the more I realize things.
While that statement/observation could apply to just about anything…or anybody, I’d like to use this article to point out how it relates to people’s everyday communication skills.
We live in an age of instant information…yet people these days don’t seem to have any patience to communicate properly. We abbreviate stuff, like lol, brb, and wtf.
We text. We Tweet. We post. We share, and we like. What’s up with all the cat videos?
With so much information all around us, bombarding our everyday lives, it’s easy to understand why we need to curtail our communication. We just don’t seem to have the time to talk to with most people the way we used to.
Because of this, our language is suffering…even as it grows and ‘evolves.’ The art of conversation isn’t what it used to be, is it? And don’t even get me started on spelling and grammar! Holy guacamole!
So let me ask you a question: Do you think communication is important? Is it important for your personal life? How about for your professional or business life? It shouldn’t come as a surprise that my answer to all those questions is a loud, resounding YES, good communication is absolutely important!!
In fact, I think it’s so important that I’m going to venture to say this:
MOST problems in life are somehow related to a breakdown in communication.
Think about it! How often do things go wrong when someone doesn’t explain things properly. Or when someone doesn’t understand something the way it was intended. Or someone simply misinterprets something they think someone else said or did?
Other examples include: A spouse not communicating something to their husband or wife, because they’re afraid of ‘hurting’ them, when the reality is that almost all of the ensuing drama that comes as a result could have been avoided if they had simply communicated things together properly. Or how about family issues? Oh, that’s so big, you could write volumes of books about it!
Just think: Most of the TV shows & movies, especially the drama-themed ones, probably wouldn’t even exist without breakdowns in communication being an essential part of the plotlines!
So why else should you care about this? Why should you care about developing excellent communication skills? Sure, you can talk and write, right? Well, here’s something for you to consider: Some of the highest-paid people on the planet are exceptional communicators! From Presidents to politicians to party planners and presenters – if you can communicate your thoughts & ideas effectively, you’ll tend to get paid more.
But it’s not just about the money! Some of the happiest, most fulfilled people are people who know how to communicate – thoughts, feelings, ideas, etc. well. Good communicators tend to have better relationships with people, both personally and professionally. So they’re richer in friends and happiness, too.
Which brings us to today’s lesson. I can’t just leave you hanging now, can I?
I’ve developed a very simple, 3-step solution for communicating effectively. Now, this isn’t an all-inclusive, magic bullet solution for communicating anything, anytime. We’d definitely need a LOT more time for that! No, what you’re about to learn here works for just about any time you’re going to write, speak, present, make an offer/proposition, etc.
This 3-step communication solution is so simple and practical, you might just glance it over, think you know it, and forget about it. But that would be a tragic mistake, my friend. Trust me on this.
So here it is: A simple, 3-step communication solution that works all the time, every time, when you’d like to communicate something with someone. Are you ready?
Simple & Effective 3-Step Communication Solution:
1. Tell Them What You’re About to Tell Them.
2. Tell Them What You Want to Tell Them.
3. Tell Them What You Just Told Them.
That’s it! See? Told you it was simple! I mean – look at it! Steps 1 and 3 are basically the same thing!
Another way of expressing this: 1. Prepare; 2. Inform; 3. Review.
For example, let’s apply this to Real Estate Investing. Let’s say that you’ve spoken to a seller & want to make them an offer now. I’ve personally seen many offers NOT made simply because the person who wanted to make the offer didn’t know what to say. Let’s fix that.
To make an offer, you’d just write up a letter or email and send it out to the seller. You’d obviously include your name & contact information, then after that, just start by saying that you’d like to make them an offer for their house. Then you’d give them the offer (keep it as simple as you can). Finish it up by thanking them for considering your offer and tell them what to do next. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
So there you have it. You’re now well equipped with a very simple-yet-valuable life lesson in communication. When applied, this 3-step pattern will work miracles for you, day in, day out. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself richer & happier in no time. Results may vary.
Finally, I’d just like to point out that I practice what I preach. Just look at the structure of this article. Notice anything familiar? 🙂
Until Next Time,
Tony Pearl
Copyright 2016 Tony Pearl | All Rights Reserved
