By Steve Adubato, PhD

It is almost New Year’s Eve, and that means it is time to consider some communication resolutions for 2008. Right now you are probably thinking that most New Year’s resolutions are broken or forgotten pretty quickly, but there are some very basic ones that you can realistically accomplish. Following are a few that will undoubtedly help you reach your personal and professional communication goals in 2008.

• Stop talking and start listening.

• Be more concise in your communication.

• Remember someone’s name when you are introduced to him or her. I have mentioned this in the past, but there is nothing worse than meeting someone four or five times and having to ask his name once again. Instead, pay attention when you meet someone and start using that person’s name in a conversation immediately. It will let the other person feel important.

• Cultivate relationships with current and prospective clients and important stakeholders.

• Seek opportunities to present and communicate outside of your comfort zone. Instead of hiding in meetings or coming up with varying excuses for not making a presentation, resolve to take the plunge.

• Run more effective (and fewer) meetings. Only hold a meeting if you can’t accomplish what you need to over the phone or via e-mail. If you are holding a meeting just to hear yourself talk, don’t do it. If you do need to have a meeting, be selective and only include those who truly need to be there.

Write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with what you resolve to improve in the New Year and we will continue to learn and grow together. Wishing you and your family all the best in 2008.