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Jesse Jacoby takes us back to the basic, but widely overlooked and underestimated, points of communication that help build trust, ensure clear communication and win respect.

We live in an age where communication is rampant. When exchanging information with a colleague, you may choose to email, text, instant message, tweet, and the list goes on. With all these choices readily available, one may argue that communicating is faster and easier than ever before. However, our messages are also becoming more cryptic and colloquial and sometimes, more confusing. The words you choose have an impact, but is it the impact you want?

Perhaps it is time we got back to some basics. If you are in a new leadership position, looking to manage your first team, or simply want to be taken more seriously, try developing and honing your communication skills. After all, being able to communicate well with others can make or break your career.

Think about your average day. Chances are you are communicating with several team members, bosses, colleagues from other departments, and so on. Do you remember the last time someone stopped by your desk because she wanted to share some information in person? That can make all the difference, but consider these two scenarios. In the first instance, the person chose his words carefully and yet the conversation flowed freely. His message was premeditated and clear. Afterwards, you felt well-informed and had a much better understanding of next steps. In essence, you were benefitting from the skills of a good communicator.

In the second instance, the person who stopped by your desk peppered his language with ambiguous terms and phrased most of his statements in a question. The conversation seemed to move in circles. After that conversation, you were probably confused about what the person actually meant and you may even be left wondering what in the world just happened.

Clear communication makes all the difference. Here are some basic steps to ensure you are a clear communicator whose message is noticed for all the right reasons.

Key points include:

• Clarity in communication
• Gain Strength from Silence
• Killing the catchphrases

Read the full article, Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say, on EmergentConsultants.com.