Developing economy of style in speech, habits and activity

[Ati]

I wonder if anyone has ideas or knows of links, resources to that aspect of personal development which aims to help people develop a succinct, effective speaking or conversational style.

People have different styles and I don't think there is a right or wrong. However, in some arenas, it is extremely helpful to have a communication style which delivers the most effective message in the most time efficient style, both for the speaker and for the listener.

I would hope that such a style is not devoid of warmth, friendliness or humor, but describing the process of developing such a style is perhaps the first step, with other attributes added later, if necessary.

Thanks ahead for any ideas. Ati

PS In the title, I included habits and activity as foci for a similar economy to that I describe here for speech. I suspect that the developmental change is likely to be internal enough that along with developing an economical speaking style, economy in other "natural" or spontaneous activities might just follow.

[tc33]

Greetings Ati

Based on your criteria, it sounds like you are interested in a business-like approach towards communication. I own 'Guide to Managerial Communication' by Mary Munter and find it to be a great resource for both writing and speaking. If you buy this book, my recommendation is to buy the 5th edition, simply because people on Amazon are selling it for as low as 10 cents + shipping, as opposed to ~$50 for the latest edition.
Amazon.com: Guide to Managerial Communication: Effective Business Writing and Speaking (5th Edition): Books: Mary Munter

Additionally, I recommend 'Talk Your Way To The Top' by Kevin Hogan (despite its cheesy title ) for interpersonal communication improvement, which you may or may not be interested in.
Amazon.com: Talk Your Way to the Top: Communication Secrets to Change Your Life: Books: Kevin Hogan

Hope that helps

Tom

[tc33]

Originally Posted by Ati

PS In the title, I included habits and activity as foci for a similar economy to that I describe here for speech. I suspect that the developmental change is likely to be internal enough that along with developing an economical speaking style, economy in other "natural" or spontaneous activities might just follow.

Sorry, I forgot to address this comment. I don't believe reading books on effective interpersonal communication will change your fundamental mindset on efficiency/economy in general.

Communication is unique in the respect that you must speak in terms that the receiver can understand; you must attempt to come up/down to their level of thinking in order to deliver your message. For example, if you're a computer geek at work and you start talking to the sales VP in TLAs (three-letter acronyms ) and expect him to understand what the hell you're saying, you're wrong. Yes, the use of TLAs is efficient/economical, but it often won't help you in your attempts to convey a message to a receiver.

In contrast, adopting an 'efficiency everywhere' mindset can certainly improve your time management/organizational/effectiveness skills, simply because the only limiting factor is yourself, which is within your control. Communication, on the other hand, is limited by the differences in two people, one of which is obviously outside of your control.

Hope that helps


Tom

[Cron]

Join toastmasters

[TheColonel]

I recommend the John Wayne School of How To Speak Good.

Talk low, talk slow...and don't say much.

[Ati]

Thanks for all your responses here!

Tom -- I'll have a look at those books.

Cron -- That's an interesting idea, I thought Toastmasters was really for people wanting to give talks publically, maybe they also deal with interpersonal and intragroup interactions, I'll look into that.

TheColonel -- I love that!

Actually, this is more intra-personal , in a way, in that I notice a difference in my whole approach to everyday life when I "feel" succinct, concise and so on. I do notice that I do tend to talk that way when I'm in that "zone". At the same time, I not only feel myself to be more focused, less distracted and so more effective, efficient etc., but also feel like I have a lot more space and time in my day whether or not I really do, based on the day's requirements, scheduling, etc. So porhaps this is a look towards inner peace and calm. Perhaps the way we go about the every day can stimulate greater space, greater time just by leaving space and time that way.

So perhaps it's a mindset that can be "reached" by focusing on interactional styles in general, or maybe the interactional style actually follows the overall approach at a given time. I'm curious about that and about what others think of these notions.

I like the feeling I'm describing here. I'm not really searching for too many secondary gains in that I am actually pretty efficient, etc. (could always be more I'm sure )

In these times of hyper distraction, I think this sort of thinking is pretty important. I like to get to the end of the day feeling good about having focused on the important things and let all the rest blow around me.

I'm interested in further thoughts, thanks for what you've shared...

All best for the holidays!

Ati

Originally Posted by tc33

.....In contrast, adopting an 'efficiency everywhere' mindset can certainly improve your time management/organizational/effectiveness skills, simply because the only limiting factor is yourself, which is within your control. Communication, on the other hand, is limited by the differences in two people, one of which is obviously outside of your control.
Tom

Yah, that is so true. I like that, an "efficiency everywhere" mindset. That seems it might bring along a "time and space everywhere" mindset as well ..