Behavioral studies show that effective communicators deliver information often and in brief, concise chunks, never speaking for very long at one time (no more than 15-30 seconds). They ask more questions, make fewer solution statements and headline their points in one or two sentences. Additional styles include summarizing frequently, letting others share their views and regularly making ‘here is where we are’ statements. Finally, unless they are passing on decisions, they save their views until others have been given the opportunity to speak.

Take a few minutes and compare these practices to the way you approach communication.