As we move further into the 21st century, communication is becoming more diluted, reliant on technology, and devoid of actual human interaction. Whether in personal relationships or in the job atmosphere, nowadays we often communicate using the evolved version of AOL Messenger: relying heavily on emojis, text messages, and assumptions.  But all of these are inefficient ways of conveying a clear message.

Though communicating through emojis may be acceptable with your BFFs, in the workplace, it’s a bit different. Your career persona is the direct result of the words you use. Maybe you’re seeking a raise that will truly make you feel valued at the job you love, or you’re ready to take your big idea to the next level and want to secure an investment from a venture capital firm. Whatever your current career goal, the result you desire is on the other side of powerful, efficient, and effective communication.

Implement the following tips into your conversational conversation at work to make your career dreams a reality.

Speak with authenticity.

Speaking authentically is the most powerful way to communicate, because there’s no conflict with our intrinsic being. In your most authentic state, you will be able to clearly communicate why you deserve a raise, why your idea will fulfill your purpose as a human being, and get others to see the potential of your dream.

Ask yourself the following questions to reveal the authentic answers that will support you in moving powerfully in your conversation:

“What do I want to accomplish through this conversation?”

“What is my purpose?”

“Is this idea in alignment with my beliefs and the organization's goals?”

Be vulnerable with your ideas.

By choosing vulnerability, the message you communicate is not colored by the thoughts and opinions of others. You’re able to confidently expose your ideas and beliefs, which in turn gives others on your team the permission to contribute and expand upon them.

Through your vulnerability, other people feel empowered to act on what fulfills them and is consistent with who they truly are. This creates a connection that will lead to tangible results that grow the organization and accomplishes the greater goal.

Ask yourself the following questions to remain vulnerable in your communication:

“What am I firm believer in?”

“Why does this matter to me?”

“How can the contribution of others help me win?”

Get curious.

By choosing curiosity, you allow listening to be a major part of your communication. Through listening, you allow others to share their valuable ideas, thought processes, and opinions while giving yourself the opportunity to learn something new. Curiosity is the place where a feeling of empathy becomes alive, results become possible, ideas become tangible, and success becomes inevitable.

Ask yourself the following questions in order to expand your knowledge and develop your ideas:

“How can my idea become better?”

“What don’t I know that others may know?”

“If this idea is to become successful, what is the possible overarching impact on me, my team, and the world?”

What’s possible when communication is clear, concise, and curious?

Everything that you have in life is the result of your communication. The things you dream of, the ideas you cultivate, and the tangible results you create become real through the profound ability to express yourself, make clear requests and convey a concise, yet powerful message. When used effectively, you can enroll others in your ideas and create the relationships that will take your businesses to the next level.

“Communication - the human connection - is the key to personal and career success.” - Paul J. Meyer

About the Author: Sarah Harrigan is a Confidence & Relationship Expert and the founder of Design My Vibe, an international life coaching & events service that helps individuals accomplish their personal & business goals through mindset transformation. Through one-on-one & group events, she helps aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs get off the beliefs that are preventing them from reaching higher heights. She frequently writes about confidence, relationships and effective communication for today’s leaders.

This post was published on March 24, 2019, and has since been updated.

MORE ON THE BLOG