3. Situational Context: What listener has recently experienced as well as environmental factors will also influence way he or she receives our messages. Unlike emotions, situational context involves elements that are external to listener. This includes our own presentation of message. What we said previously and how we said it will influence listener’s perception of what we say next. A room that is too noisy, dark, cold, or uncomfortable will distract listener’s attention.

4. Personal Beliefs: We filter everything we hear through our personal beliefs. We relate everything we experience to previous experiences. If we understand an idea or concept, it is because we are relating it to our past learning. It is rare that we actually have a completely new experience. We have core beliefs about our lives; these personal maps of world guide way we listen, perceive, and interpret what we hear. Our messages will be influenced significantly by our listener’s personal beliefs. We need to select our words carefully, and craft our presentations so that they will touch our listeners on a deeper emotional level. It is at this deeper emotional level where most effective communication is achieved.

Well-chosen language can touch heart and soul, find a common ground, tear down walls of division, and foster powerful new alliances. It can be an extremely powerful success tool.

Language that ignores listener's emotional state, culture, current life situations, and personal beliefs will miss its mark. Instead of building trust, it will distance us from those who could become friends and allies.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Eloquence is power to translate a truth into language perfectly intelligible to person to whom you speak."

Choosing our messages carefully, and remembering these language filters will help us develop that eloquence, and will make our communications more effective. We will obtain improved results in both our careers and personal lives by engendering trust, building rapport, and creating positive new relationships.

Don’t Be Generic

When applying for a job, if at all possible, get decision maker’s name. Scan website, attend network functions, find out who’s hiring. There are many directories and magazines that run a special feature about who is doing well in business world. Find out where you fit in and who you’re going to target. Be specific and relentless. Take time to address and tailor your cover letter.

Jill Appleton (not her real name) tried this approach and it worked for her. After sending out 100 emails she received one reply that mattered. There wasn’t a career page (Unheard of, you say?) or contact name for employment so she emailed President and asked if there were any openings for her background. As it turned out, he was thinking about hiring someone in Marketing department. They set up a meeting and she got job. Coincidence, luck maybe? Perseverance will get you job, but being smart and creative will secure it.

Remember Ellen Church? Innovator, Humanitarian, History Maker, War Heroine. Not a bad way to spend your life. What will they say about you?

Email Tamara @info@canjobs.com

Tamara Jong is the Marketing Professional for www.canjobs.com, a leading Canadian owned and operated on-line recruitment site.