How To Give Clear Instructions Via Two Way Radio
There are some instances where the instructions you give via your two-way radio are crucial. If you fail to communicate clearly, the person you are speaking to may not understand exactly what is expected of them. This can lead to serious errors which can really cost your business or organisation. It’s especially important to give clear instructions when the safety of your team is at risk or you are operating in an emergency situation. Here’s some helpful tips on how to give clear instructions via two-way radios.
Speak clearly
The first thing you need to do is make sure you speak clearly. This may seem obvious, but a lot of people don’t realise when their voice isn’t coming across clearly. Ask your team whether or not they feel you are speaking clearly through your two-way radio, and be mindful of how you sound over the radio. For example, you may be speaking to quietly, rushing your words or mumbling, which could lead to your instructions getting misinterpreted.
Review your instructions before speaking
Take a moment to actually think about what you are going to say before you say it. Would you understand your own instructions? Try and consider the most concise, straightforward way of explaining things before you throw complex instructions at your team via radio. Simply taking a few seconds to think about what you need to say can really help you to give clear instructions.
Check they have understood
A simple ‘do you copy?’ can establish whether or not someone has understood what you have said to them. If they don’t sound like they have understood your instructions, it’s worth taking the time to explain them again. You will get to know your team and hopefully they will speak out when they don’t understand. However, sometimes you just need to double check.
Avoid information overload
Try not to overcomplicate your instructions. Rather than delivering everything all at once, break instructions down so that they can be easily digested by your team. Don’t go into information overload, as it will be too much to take in and nothing will get done. People often try and say too much when they are under pressure or stressed, so when you are in a high pressure situation, keep your instructions simple.
Don’t rush your instructions
Even if you are under time pressure, don’t be tempted to rush your instructions; it is unlikely to help. Rushing instructions certainly won’t get things done any faster, in fact, it will probably slow you down.
Use radio language
Use the radio language and phrases that you and your team have agreed on. By using radio language you can keep things short and to the point, and your instructions should be very clear. Make sure all your team know the phrases and words you want them to use, so that they don’t get confused by your instructions.
22 July 2016