How to Communicate in the Office - The Muse

How to Communicate in the Office - The MuseHow to Communicate in the Office Stellar communication skills can get you out the usual workplace binds. You know cryptic emails, cranky clients, and hard-to-please supervisors.But sometimes, youll come across someone who isnt moody or confusing- shes downright awkward. The issue herein is that relationships are currency, and if you cant even get through a conversation with someone, how are you supposed to work with him?Read on for three of the worst office communicators- and how you can best work with them. (Bonus Weve included a handy guide so you can make sure that youre not committing one of these communication crimes.)1. The ComedianMaybe its a vibe Im sending out, but lately I keep meeting people who laugh throughout entire conversations- even when theyre pretty mundane. For example, the story of you getting to work 10 minutes late because your alarm didnt go off really isnt that hysterical.But if this person is your client (or your bo ss), staring neutrally, or even placating her with a Thats funny can lead to awkwardness. In most cases, Id recommend being authentic, but in this instance a work laugh can go a long way. Of course, you shouldnt overdo it like Monica and Chandler, but you can smile wide and give the same sort of chuckle you would if your grandmother told you a story and you wanted to look amused.Instead of viewing the situation as one where youre forced to be insincere, think of it as a kindness. Either its a nervous habit (in which case pointing it out will only make the other person feel worse), or hes hoping to connect with you- and hes choosing to do so by trying to make you laugh. So, try to let a few out It just may smooth the way toward a better working relationship.2. The Disinterested PersonSure, discussing last quarters numbers is no Broadway show, but its your job. And its pretty uncomfortable when your co-worker spends an entire 20-minute meeting looking painfully bored.Honestly, theres nothing you can do about your co-worker tapping her foot or yawning. The only thing you have control over is how you internalize it. You can think, She has someplace better to be, or you can ask yourself why its bothering you so much. Yes, its rude- but why is it driving you crazy? Are you afraid that youre actually boring your whole team? If so, ask a co-worker you have a close relationship with for some honest feedback. Are you eager to please this person because you think it will increase your odds for versetzung? If so, ask her for targeted feedback.Just be sure you come from a constructive place. Forgo the targeted, Am I boring you? and try, Susan, do you have any suggestions for how I might spice up the middle part of my presentation? I feel like I might be losing my audience for a bit in there. 3. The Person Who Speaks in Internet SlangSometimes, you have to work with people who downright confuse you. Case in point Someone who uses obscure slang. Im not talking about slang an yone who watches primetime television would know, Im talking about slang youd have to really troll Instagram for. For example, you say, John, Could you give me an update on your latest project? Then he responds with, Its on fleek. Umm, what?This is a definitely a time you want to approach the communication gap head-on, but you can do so in a slightly self-deprecating way. Try this Im afraid I dont know what that means- Im never up on the latest slang. For starters, is that a good thing or a bad thing? Addressing the situation in a light-hearted way shows that youre not talking down to him, but also makes it clear that youre going to need him to use words you know. (Bonus This approach also works for people who speak like their main goal is to demonstrate how advanced their vocabulary is.)Now, if this person is a subordinate, youll want to set aside a time to talk about communication in the workplace. Its a pretty straightforward conversation- just as you can wear ripped jeans and sw eatpants outside the office, but at work you try to keep up a mora polished appearance you should view language in a similar way.Are You the Culprit?Maybe you dont come into contact with any of the people mentioned above. (Lucky you) But before you do a happy dance, lets make certain that youre not the one committing the faux pas. If you regularly see the faces below, you may need to change up how you communicate- dont worry weve got you covered1. Youre the JokesterYou think you leave your team in stitches. But you may be mistaken if their laughter looks like thisImage courtesy of Giphy.If so, rein it in a bit. Instead of lightening every conversation with a joke, try to cut back and be a bit more serious. Believe it or not, this will actually lighten the mood, because your employees wont feel pressured to laugh.2. You Look BoredNot that youd ever try to look like Britney Spears at work, but you should never look like this Image courtesy of Giphy.Even if youre not that obvious, you might be putting other signals out that theres someplace youd rather be (think checking your phone or never asking follow-up questions). Next time, try to consciously look engaged and interested.3. You Dont Make SenseNot everyone will be comfortable telling you they have no idea what youre talking about. But you probably need to make a change if they look at you like thisImage courtesy of Giphy.Look familiar? Start taking an extra moment to think before you speak and translate what you might type to a friend into more formal language.Navigating different communication styles will help you connect with more types of people. So, be empathetic and try to adapt. And hey, you never know when your work laugh will come in handy. Photo of people talking courtesy of Shutterstock.