Conscious Communication

Learn mindfulness in rhetoric, focus clarity, boost self-awareness confidence & emotional intelligence, train anti-stress skills resilience & psychology

Simone Janson, Simone Janson, Simone Janson

• Publisher: Best of HR – Berufebilder.de®
• Year: 2024
• ISBN:
  9783965965218
• Edition: 4
• Topic: Psicología
• Subtopic: Psicología industrial y organizacional

In the 4th, completely revised edition of this groundbreaking guide, published by an award-winning publisher, renowned experts (overview in the book preview) combine their knowledge with interactive AI. This unique combination of decades of experience and state-of-the-art technology enables you to master challenges on a whole new level. Thanks to the innovative transfer of information, complemented by personal experiences of success, you can realize your goals and reach your full potential. Because in our hectic, stressful world, we often do not treat each other carefully enough. This applies above all to the way we talk to each other: rashly we have quickly blocked out a piece of information or opinion, instead of thinking about the effect of what is said in advance. Yet mindful interaction with other people is the basic prerequisite for good understanding among ourselves and interpersonal relationships in general. Conscious communication is therefore the decisive factor for the success of a group or team. Emerging quarrels and disagreements can also be prevented or mediated in advance. This book shows what is important in this process. For its concept "Information as Desired, " the publisher won the Global Business Award as Publisher of the Year and received government funding. It is also a partner of the Ministry of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany. The goal to give you the best possible content on topics such as career, finance, management, recruiting, or psychology goes far beyond the static nature of traditional books: The interactive AI Extended Books not only provide AI-optimized content in several languages based on data analysis but also allow you to ask individual questions and receive advice tailored to your personal interests. Each book contains detailed information and examples for your successful use of AI. You can utilize AI software for free, download e-courses, collaborate with workbooks, or engage with an active community. So you gain valuable resources that enhance your knowledge, stimulate creativity, and make your personal and professional goals achievable and tangible. Expertise and technical innovation go hand in hand, as we take the responsibility to deliver well-researched and informed content seriously, honoring the trust you place in us. Due to the unique combination of human expertise and innovation, we can publish works that meet your requirements in every aspect. And furthermore, we want to offer you the opportunity to make your journey towards personal growth and success even more unforgettable. We understand that true change occurs not just in the mind but primarily through personal experiences and application. Therefore, we've conceptualized special success journey experiences tailored to each book for you. Be inspired to elevate your life to an entirely new level. By purchasing the books, you can also do good: The publisher dedicates about 5 percent of book sales revenue to socially relevant or sustainable projects. We provide scholarships, support innovative ideas, and contribute to climate protection initiatives. Publisher Simone Janson is also a bestselling author and one of the top 10 influential German bloggers according to the Blogger Relevance Index. Additionally, she has been a columnist and author for renowned media outlets such as WELT, Wirtschaftswoche, or ZEIT - more about her can be found, among other places, on Wikipedia.

Write advice texts: Always oriented to the reader
// By Simone Janson

"Utility-oriented texts" - sounds pretty technical. It is - but only at first glance. This article, itself a representative of its type of text, shows briefly and precisely: what are utility-oriented texts, what are they not? And how do you write it in terms of research, entry, structure, text elements and style?

Präzise, konkret, verständlich: Nutzwertorientierte Texte

Nutzwertorientierte Texte? Klingt ein bisschen nach technischem Handbuch: “Arbeitsanweisung B für Vorgang 569 im dritten Durchlauf…” – oder so ähnlich.

Or according to an economic cost-benefit calculation. And yet these texts are anything but dry and boring. Neither for the reader (if it is, the author is bad) nor for the author. You can find out why in this article.

Definition: Utility-oriented texts - what is that actually?

Strictly speaking, utility-oriented texts are nothing more than precise instructions for action, the content of which the reader can grasp with as little effort as possible.

The texts provide tips and good advice on what the reader should say or do in certain situations. They mostly appear in guides and related publications - and are one thing above all: useful!

Attention: Why this text looks like this

Are you wondering about the formatting and the strong subdivision? This text not only informs you, but also serves as an example for a value-oriented text. That is why there are numerous subheadings, checklists, boxes and examples. And short paragraphs!

Wer so schreiben will, muss sich an die vorgegebene Struktur halten. Wie sagte schon Umberto Eco in seiner “Nachschrift zum ‚Namen der Rose’”: “Um frei erfinden zu können, muss man sich Beschränkungen auferlegen.” Klingt erst mal widersinnig. Und stimmt doch: Innerhalb dieser Struktur hat der Autor viel kreativen Spielraum (dazu unten mehr).

However, many authors may not find it easy to write in a value-oriented manner at the beginning. This is because most are used to a completely different writing - depending on whether they come from journalism or from literature, for example. So getting used to it is a must. Both in terms of style and content as well as the demands on the reader. It was the same with me.

Five tips: You should change this if you want to write in a value-oriented way

• The reader should strain his brain while reading! Forget it: utility-oriented texts are written for lazy readers - and for those who simply don't have the time or nerve to ponder the meaning of a statement for a long time. So the majority of the stressed
• Long, coherent passages of text and a literary style! Nothing: short, concise and as precise as possible. Few foreign words, short sentences and sections, many subheadings, checklists, tables, overviews. Simply reader-friendly.
• Treat the topic comprehensively! Don't! Rather write less, but focus on practical benefits - always!
• Treat the topic on a theoretical basis! For God's sake! Very specific instructions are important, ideally step by step. The reader should learn to assess how to behave correctly in a particular situation. Practical examples help here, which the reader can apply to his specific situation.
• Ich bin der Autor und schreibe, was ich will! : Very bad! Always think of the reader. And select the examples suitable for the target group so that they can be found in them. Sells better too!

Step by step: How do you write value-oriented texts?

The reader receives step-by-step guidance from the author on how to make the right decision or behave in a particular situation.

Therefore, guides are anything but undemanding and even quite complex to write - even if texts and presentation do not always work that way.

Practical tip: The text as an emergency case

Even a reader who has little time should quickly get an overview and find targeted help. As an author, I therefore imagine that my contribution would be an emergency kit from which the reader can quickly take the most important aids.

Step 1: think of the reader

Writing in a value-oriented manner means that you always think of your readers. And what you might think. That is why I see lectures, seminars and my own weblog not only as marketing tools, but above all as a means of communication with which I approach my readers.

By the way:

Sprechen Sie die Leser mit “Sie” an, so wie ich Sie in diesem Text, damit sie sich direkt angesprochen fühlen. Das schafft gleich von Anfang an eine gute Verbindung.

It's about finding out: who are the readers? What are your wishes and needs? How can I help you with my text? That is exactly what I have to go into: A reader like this generally only reads the text if he has a direct benefit from it. And he only reads what he uses the most from the wealth of information.

Overviews simplify getting started

Optimal is a short overview at the beginning (maximum 5 lines) of the content of the text with good arguments as to why the text takes the reader further. This makes it easier for the reader to decide whether to read the text or not. Those who have to read half of a text to know whether it is worth it often don't even start.

Example:

This text provides you with step-by-step instructions for creating value-based texts. In addition to many practical examples, you will also find numerous ideas and suggestions for writing the text. You also benefit from my personal experience.

Step 2: research thoroughly

Accurate research is absolutely important. After all, very few are omniscient. What we don't know ourselves, others have to tell us. And we have to be very careful about them to get specific information.

Facts, facts, facts:

They arouse interest and establish a link to day-to-day events. And they show: The author knows his way around!

After all, the text should not only stimulate and guide the reader, but also inform. So we always incorporate the results of studies and statistics or the opinion of other experts into the text - in the form of overview tables, quotes, graphics, diagrams, etc.

Example:

Annette Greter wants to start her own business. At the same time, ise is considering whether she should prefer to keep her job with a secure income of € 2.300 a month. Firstly, there is the risk of bankruptcy. However: According to the Federal Statistical Office, the number of corporate insolvencies fell by 15,1 percent last year. And then the merit: The IHK has confirmed that the monthly profit for new entrepreneurs in their industry is only an average of 1.500 euros. It is only after three years that Annette Greter can count on significantly more.

Step 3: the optimal entry

You already know the tip with the overview right at the beginning of the text. If the text does not have a table of contents anyway, you can prefix the most important headings of the text instead. Important: The entry must interest the reader and briefly present the basic information required for the topic.

But please no puzzling entry to build tension. What goes for other types of text is taboo here! The readers of utility-oriented texts do not want to be entertained, but want to know immediately what it is about. Better: Captivate the reader with the topic. Highlight something new or remarkable - and sell yourself as an expert so that readers have confidence in the information they get from you.

Build a relationship with the reader with examples and pictures

Erfahrungsgemäß packen Sie den Leser am besten, wenn Sie gleich eine Beziehung zu ihm aufbauen – mit einem konkreten Praxisbeispiel als Einstieg, das auch gleich die Problemstellung enthält. Je plastischer die Beschreibung und je näher das Beispiel am Alltag des Lesers, desto besser. Auch bildhafte Sprache wirkt wahre Wunder, weil Sie damit das Vorstellungsvermögen Ihrer Leser anregen (mehr dazu finden Sie im Beitrag “Das grausame Schauspiel mit den Metaphern”). Wenn der Leser seinen eigenen Alltag wiedererkennt, wird er dem Text aufmerksamer folgen.

Example:

Advisory sales have increased by ten percent in recent years. Rudolf Schmitt wants to be part of this boom - but he doesn't really know how. On his desk are the guidebooks on which he wants to orient himself. He has been sitting in front of the computer for hours and tearing his hair out because he doesn't know what is important when writing and how to start.

Um noch einmal Umberto Eco zu bemühen: In seiner “Nachschrift”, beschreibt er, wie er eine Romanwelt Stück für Stück konstruiert: Zunächst ist da die Idee, aus der er eine eigene kleine Welt erschafft, die mit möglichst vielen Details ausstaffiert ist. Wie Fruchtfleisch, das er nach und nach ansetzt. Und diese Welt muss nach bestimmten, vorher festgelegten Regeln funktionieren.

Such an example is like a small novel scene, only that my world is the everyday life of the reader and I first have to research the rules for it. When that is certain, I let a specific situation arise in my mind's eye. Then suddenly structure is needed instead of imagination. It's really fun.

Step 4: build the text

The basic structure is half the battle. What aspects of the topic do I want to cover? How and in what order do I put the researched material, information, examples, tips and instructions in the text?

Arrange the text elements

The text should be subdivided, but with a system: If you just start writing, you bring yourself to Teufel's kitchen: here is a box, there is a checklist, here and there a little continuous text - and then the text is completely broken down and the reader loses it Overview for example boxes, headings, tips and checklists. By the way: If you want to know which text elements are available, you should take a look at the overview below.

Balanced ratio of text elements

Bring the different text elements in a balanced relationship. Everything that is not continuous text should stand out from the text as special information.

In general, I calculate a box, a checklist, a table - or any other element that subdivides the text for every two paragraphs of body text (sometimes more, rarely less). I only pack these elements next to each other if there is no other way.

Design chapters and headings

If there is no other outline element or if a new topic begins, I put a subtitle. This is to help the reader as quickly as possible to grasp what is at stake and what needs to be done. When I write the subtitle, I imagine a reader who has little time and wants to use the subtitles to understand what he needs to know or do about the topic.

Ich verzichte daher in der Regel (ist nicht immer möglich) auf Etiketten wie “Wissen – als Voraussetzung für den Erfolg”. Besser sind kurze Botschaften, die dem Leser direkt ins Auge springen und ihm sagen, was der Nutzen ist oder was er tun soll. Beispiel: “47 Prozent der Unternehmen erzielen mehr Umsatz durch das Internet” oder “So bloggen Sie richtig für den Unternehmenserfolg”.

Marginalia are on the side of the page and can also guide the reader.

Therefore: Not too many sub-chapters. Three hierarchies are sufficient, a maximum of four. If it turns out when working on a topic that a single aspect becomes too detailed: no new sub-chapter! In this case, I only touch on the aspect to the extent that the topic requires it and start a new chapter to which I refer. Sometimes an excursus is also possible - but you should also use it sparingly.

In a book with several chapters, I make sure that the same text elements appear in each chapter. This creates a certain recognition value for the reader and he finds the information he is looking for faster.

The optimal style is short, concise and precise

No cumbersome transitions. Even if you have to get used to it first. Often there is a need to explain to the reader why you are writing something like this, or you overload the text with additional background information - after all, you have done a lot of research and want to show that your text is on a solid foundation.

Loose sounding text

A value-oriented text should sound as relaxed as if you just shook it out of your sleeve.

Also weg mit dem überflüssigen Ballast. Leser verstehen meist nur, was sie verstehen wollen, da helfen auch weitschweifige Erklärungen nichts. Und was die Hintergrundinformationen angeht: Eine kurze Erwähnung, notfalls mit Quellenverweis, genügt – so als wollten Sie sagen: “Ich könnte mehr schreiben, aber ich lass es jetzt mal.” Alles andere gehört in wissenschaftliche Abhandlungen ode...