The ability to communicate effectively cannot be emphasized enough as a key factor for achieving success in any endeavor. I have recently been given the opportunity to help in creating a new Toastmasters International Club and I am taking on the challenge head on.

As I present the opportunity of becoming a charter member of a Toastmasters Club to fellow schoolmates and many times total strangers, I have realized that clarity in communication is essential to be understood.

I recently spent about 20 minutes trying to sell my Toastmasters Club membership to a friend and was about to give up when a third person joined the conversation and simplified the message I was trying to communicate during the previous 20 minutes. I closed the sale once my message was presented in more simple words.

After that experience, I did some research to hone my communication skills and would like to share with you 5 essential rules for effective communication.

Simplicity. Use simple words. Phobia means “strong fear”. Instead of saying phobia, say “strong fear”. Choose as many simple words as possible to make sure your message can be understood by a greater audience.

Brevety. Use short sentences. Keep it simple. The shorter your message, the more chances it will be understood; assuming you used simple words. Credibility. People need to believe it to buy it. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Most consumers do not buy products, they buy brands. Is your brand trustworthy?

Consistency. Finding a good message and sticking with it takes great discipline but the rewards are worth the task. Novelty. If something does not shock or surprise us, we move on to something else. Offer something new, offer a new definition of an old idea. If you pay attention to those 5 element as your communicate, you are on your way to becoming a more effective communicator.