How might someone realize that they aren’t good at communication?

<p>Communication is like driving; everyone thinks they are good at it.</p> <p> </p> <p>But at some point, no matter how clear and articulate we might consider ourselves to be, we’ve all gotten that glassy-eyed look that tells us our point got lost.</p> <p> </p> <p>It might be worse when you don’t get that look and you think you were understand only to learn later nope, they didn’t get it.</p> <p> </p> <p>The frustrated, “you aren’t understanding me” is just blaming the other person. And “you aren’t listening to me” can either mean you think they aren’t paying attention or that they aren’t doing what you are telling them.</p> <p> </p> <p>What I try to say instead is: “I don’t feel like I’m explaining this well. Let me try again.”</p> <p> </p> <p>When we take the onus on ourselves to try to communicate as well as possible the other person will feel more involved in the conversation and more likely to ask questions if they don’t understand.</p> <p> </p> <p>Oftentimes good communication comes from attention to and consideration for the person (or group) with whom you are communicating.</p> <p> </p> <p>I discussed this with three expert communicators: Launch Point Labs co-founder Brandon Mahoney; Certified Speaking Professional Lauren Scheiffer; and executive coach Tim Hawkes. They had great insights on how to clearly and effectively communicate, whether one-on-one or to a big audience. I hope our conversation communicates something helpful and thought-provoking to you as well.</p> <p>Connect with the panelists:</p> <p>Lauren Schieffer: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenannschieffer/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenannschieffer/</a></p> <p>Tim Hawkes: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhawkes/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/timhawkes/</a></p> <p>Brandon Mahoney: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncmahoney/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncmahoney/</a></p> <p>Dr Robyn Odegaard: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynodegaard/</a></p> <p> </p> <p