Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so is he.
Syrus

Whether you are communicating the vision of your dream to others, the goals of your dream to team members or the needs of your dream to prospective supporters – the fulfillment of your dream requires effective communication.

Here are 7.5 Keys which will help to sharpen your communication ability:

Key #1: Thought

Think before you speak. – English Proverb

Ask Yourself – What am I going to say?

Key #2: Timing

Observe due measure, for right timing in all things is the most important factor. – Hesiod

Ask Yourself – When is the best time to say what I need to say?

Key #3: Tact

It is not the matter you cover so much as it is the manner in which you cover it. – Jim Rohn

Ask Yourself – How will I say what needs to be said?

Key #4: Truth

Honesty is the best policy. – Shakespeare

Ask Yourself – How will I say what needs to be said honestly?

Key #5: Transparency

Sincerity is an openness of heart; we find it in very few people; what we usually see is only an artful dissimulation to win the confidence of others. – Francois de la Rochefoucauld

Ask Yourself – How will I say what needs to be said openly and sincerely?

Key #6: Two-Ears

We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak. – Epictetus

Ask Yourself – Am I prepared to listen after I say what needs to be said?

Key #7: Takeaways

A manager is responsible for the application and performance of knowledge. – Peter Drucker

Ask Yourself – What action steps do I want to see take place as a result of this conversation?

Key #7.5: Thanks

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. – Aesop

Ask Yourself – Will I remember to thank the person/s for allowing me the time to communicate what needed to be communicated?