Your post-lockdown communication toolkit: 5 ways to keep in touch

Two positive outcomes of lockdown have been linked to our ability to communicate and the methods we use to connect with other people, both socially and in our careers.

Suddenly the power to communicate became compromised overnight, making us actively appreciate something we had always taken for granted. Emotional and practical need pushed us into becoming explorers of replacement methods of communication, with a speed and a focus that might not have occurred during the normal social-evolutionary process.

We need human contact and communication to survive and thrive. But the newer methods we use to talk and connect are equally important. Here are five things to bear in mind when communicating in a post-lockdown world.

BLENDING: USE THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE RIGHT MESSAGE

Think of each form of communication as a tool in your communication toolkit. Lockdown has expanded our options by making us skilled users of a wider range of methods. Maximise that advantage post-lockdown by making sure you are using the best method for each type of message.

KEEP YOUR SKILLS UP TO SCRATCH

Face-to-face communication provides the biggest hit in terms of logical and emotional connections but shortcuts like text and WhatsApp keep vital links going when you’re busy or just needing to stay in touch. Video calls will be a necessary part of the business and social landscape, as they allow a more personal form of face-to-face communication to cover distances and home-working, and e-mails will still corner the letter-writing end of the market. A combination of all types is ideal, but only when you use the right tool for the right job and keep your skills and techniques up to scratch.

SIZE MATTERS

As a general rule, any long, complex or emotional messages should be communicated face-to-face, on the phone or via video call as these methods allow us a better reading of the other person via their body language and tone of voice, meaning we can tailor our message according to their response as we go along. Ditto with anything that needs to be discussed properly. E-mails are great when you want to keep a record or to make your points clearly and texts or WhatsApp are ideal for short instructions or punchy catch-ups. They also work well for brief follow-up messages after a lengthier face-to-face or call, as in ‘Great to speak’ or ‘So good to see you all’ etc.

KEEP FACE-TO-FACE AS A KEY OPTION BUT USE ALTERNATIVES FREQUENTLY

Face-to-face allows us to read others and for them to read us. Reading from someone’s words, tone of voice and their body language enhances our understanding of their meaning and their emotional state. It also allows us to have impact and project charisma in the workplace. When we can touch, too, a message becomes even more meaningful. One small hug or pat can say more to a friend or relative than a thousand words.

MAKE VIDEO CALLS AS REAL AS POSSIBLE

Video links give us a chance to see and hear someone and, the more we work on our techniques, the better the tool becomes as a virtual form of face-to-face communication.

However you choose to communicate – email, phone, voice calls – feel the freedom with hyperfast, reliable broadband from Hyperoptic. Check your postcode.

Judi James is a leading communication and body language expert whose expertise is sought after in broadcast, corporate and public relations circles. She regularly appears on a number of high profile TV and Radio programmes across many channels. During the General Elections, major political, royal and entertainment events of recent years Judi has made appearances on shows such as ITV’s This Morning, analysing body language. To find out more about Judi James, click here.