11 Strategies for Effective Communication

Effective communication is vital to formulating and implementing a plan for technology integration that helps all students learn. Without an open, dynamic exchange of thoughts and ideas between IT, AT, curriculum specialists, and other school leaders, it is impossible to actualize a shared vision.

Since the individuals involved in this effort may not typically work together or even "speak the same language," communication is critical to fostering collaboration and achieving technology objectives. Below are suggestions for effective communication.

1. Know and understand your colleagues.
Communication cannot effectively occur if you and your colleagues are not speaking the same language. The more you understand about each other's perspectives, responsibilities, and goals, the more productive your collaborative efforts will be. Collaboration is about sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all students.

2. Avoid and remove barriers.
Abbreviations, jargon, and extremely technical delivery hinder effective communication. Address your audience not yourself. Verbose posturing creates barriers; simple fact and assertion leads to open, constructive dialogue. Remember that your colleagues, like students, have individual needs and preferences that should be considered when presenting information.
 
3. Ensure your message is both clear and precise.
Know your own point so that you can always get to it. If you litter your message with superfluous information, it becomes confused. Precise brevity ensures that you are saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

4. Use more than one communication channel.
There are a variety of channels through which you can communicate. Some channels are better than others, depending on the situation and your goals, but using more than one channel is always better than using just one. Face-to-face contact, formally at scheduled meetings or informally in passing, is extremely important, but it is not always practical for busy school leaders. Be sure to capture these exchanges in well-organized notes that are distributed to all concerned.

E-mail is great for introductions, quick updates, or document exchanges. Teleconferencing is convenient, but not always optimal for exchanging specific detailed information and figures.

Consider creating an online workspace where you and your colleagues can post and exchange messages and documents related to your collaborative initiatives.

5. Keep channels open in all directions.
Today, communication is more than a two-way street; it's a multi-lane freeway. On every channel you use to send your messages, you should be prepared to receive replies. If dialogue begins on multiple channels, keep it going on multiple channels. If dialogue starts on only one channel, try to develop it on multiple channels that reach all stakeholders.

6. Deliver your messages horizontally.
Messages with dictatorial or condescending undertones undermine collaboration efforts. You will get the best results if you communicate with others horizontally, or on an equal playing field.

7. Be an active listener.
By being an active listener, you are better able to hear what is really being said. Always be cognizant of the nonverbal messages that you may be sending. It is important to give feedback. Summarizing, paraphrasing, or asking an open-ended question is a great way to make it clear that the message was received and understood.

8. Ask questions and ask for questions.
Asking questions and asking your colleagues for questions and feedback ensures that that the channels of communication stay open. It also strengthens relationships by illustrating that you have both interest and respect for what your colleagues are saying.
 
9. Respond, don't react.
Rely on both facts and feelings, not on feelings alone. It is important to be passionate about your message, but never let your opinions overshadow or replace the facts.

10. Always follow up.
Be sure to attend to every message you receive and every message you send. Let your audience know you got it or politely remind your audience that you sent it.

11. Avoid communication fatigue.
Because there are so many communications options and because you and your colleagues have many demands on your time, it is important that everyone involved in a collaborative effort agree on how communications will be handled and how to avoid redundancy and e-mail overload.

Will there be regularly scheduled meetings? Will routine communications be handled through e-mail? Who will be responsible for compiling and distributing written notes from face-to-face meetings?

Clear, consistent communication that productively includes all team members is not easy. But, it is crucial to your efforts to implementing a technology plan that provides all students with the tools they need for success.

This article is courtesy of the Consortium for School Networking, www.cosn.org.