Be Clear.  Get What You Need. Develop Relationships.

Karen Friedman's book Shut Up and Say Something: Business Communication Strategies to Overcome Challenges and Influence Listers reveals a no-nonsense approach to help you communicate at work.   We've broken it down to 7 simple strategies. 

1. Be clear. Instead of "Can you have that report to me? It's really important, and I'd really like to have it" say "Can you please get that report to me? I'd like it on my desk by 5pm Friday"

2. Hit the headline!  What's the single most important point you need to make? Start there. 

3. Put the device down. Make eye contact, and stay present in the conversation. Make sure your body language doesn't conflict with your message. 

4. Put your ego aside.  Get other people's ideas, ask open ended question and engage in discussion.  It doesn't have to be all your ideas!

5. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything.  You aren't developing relationships in those conversations, you're gossiping. 

6. Deliver bad news in person.  Be straight and clear, ask follow up questions to make sure you have delivered all of the information clearly  

7.  Don't be a naysayer! ask open-ended questions that show respect & a can-do spirit.  

Synopsis of How to Communicate Effectively At Work, Originally appeared on Forbes.com