Project Management

Project Communication and Documentation 215

As you can see from the length of this list (and believe me, I
could have listed several more abilities), communication
requires many skills. There are many books, articles, and train-
ing programs on communicating effectively, but one of the most
important ways to improve your skills is to get into the habit of
monitoring and critiquing your communication style continuous-
ly, asking yourself key questions, such as the following:

In interactive conversations:

• Do I speak clearly and at the right speed?


• Do I enunciate?


• Do I project my voice appropriately (not too loud or too
  soft)?


• Do I offer others sufficient opportunity to respond?

In oral presentations:

• Do I speak with confidence?


• Do I have any distracting mannerisms?


• Do I offer sufficient opportunity for reactions or ques-
  tions?


• Do I use media appropriately?

In written correspondence:

• Is my choice of words clear and unambiguous?


• Does the message flow in a way that others can easily
  follow my train of thought?


• Do I avoid the use of slang and colloquialisms?


• Do I use correct grammar?
  If possible, try to find an associate who can provide feed-
  back on your communication skills and style. Because commu-
  nication is such a difficult challenge, you should never stop try-
  ing ways to improve your ability to communicate effectively.

Key Project Documentation

Proper documentation—like communication—is a critical sup-
port functionof project management. And because each project
is unique, no specific level of detail is appropriate for all proj-

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