Only 7%? – Thoughts from Kunle

thoughts from kunle

It’s been another challenging start to a new year. I am buoyed by the fact that Spring is here and the days should be lighter and brighter – no weather predictions here though!

I have noticed an increase in email and text communications involving clients, team members, contacts, friends, offers of help and many more.

What I have also noticed at times is the length of some of these communications. It then reminded me of the 7% rule - where just 7% of how we communicate is down to the words we choose.

How do we truly know in a lengthy email or text message that our communication has been understood correctly by the recipient?

Are we aware of how they are feeling when they have received this communication? What time of day was this communication sent? Was the high importance flag to the email necessary?

I am not sure about you, but I have misinterpreted emails and text messages. Reading what I wanted to read, understanding what I thought I understood. However, I am a human and not a robot, so why have I become so reliant on these forms of messaging? Ease, efficiency and sometimes being lazy perhaps.

In 1971 (what a great year!) Albert Mehrabian published a book entitled “Silent Messages” focusing on how a person says something and the way that person can say so much over and above the words they use.

55% is attributed to body language 38% is attributed to the tone of voice 7% of our communications are attributed to words

Given the “living at work” environment we are experiencing, I feel it’s important to remember Mehrabian’s work.

So what have I changed? If I receive a lengthy email, I read it and then request a call with the person to check my understanding. Similarly, if I send a lengthy email I suggest arranging a follow up call. It has helped to check what has been said, what has been understood and “it’s good to talk”.

I do enjoy the video calls. I have been trying to do these meetings in 30 minute slots rather than an hour as they can become draining.

O en on telephone calls with clients or contacts I choose to do walk and talk chats. It just helps to get the creative juices flowing and can be quite challenging when I am walking up hills. Trying to mix up the scenery as best as possible helps.

It also reminded me of what my former coach, Larry Jopp, taught me: “Kunle, always understand who you are talking to.” WORDS

TONE OF VOICE BODY LANGUAGE

“Often on telephone calls with clients or contacts I choose to do walk and talk chats. It just helps to get the creative juices flowing”