The Secret Ingredient of Great Communicators: Understanding Consideration

In the vast world of communication, we often focus on the mechanics: the clarity of our words, the correctness of our grammar, the confidence of our delivery. But there’s a quieter, more profound element that separates merely competent communicators from those who truly connect and influence: **consideration**. This isn’t just about being polite or nice; it’s a strategic and empathetic approach that involves stepping outside of your own perspective and seeing the world—and your message—through the eyes of your audience. 👥

Consideration is the art of anticipating your audience’s needs, understanding their background, and tailoring your communication to resonate with their reality. It’s the difference between a generic, one-size-fits-all memo and a carefully crafted message that makes the recipient feel seen, understood, and respected. In a business context, this is not a “soft skill”; it’s a hard-nosed strategic advantage. A considerate communicator builds trust, fosters collaboration, avoids misunderstandings, and ultimately achieves their objectives more effectively.

This comprehensive guide will explore the key concepts of consideration in communication. We’ll break down what it means to be a considerate communicator, why it’s so critical in the U.S. professional landscape, and how you can actively cultivate this skill in your own writing and speaking. Mastering this principle will elevate every aspect of your professional interactions.

What is Consideration in Communication? A Deeper Look

At its heart, consideration is the practice of empathy in action. It’s the conscious effort to move from an “I-attitude” (focused on your own needs and perspective) to a “you-attitude” (focused on your audience’s needs and perspective). It’s a fundamental shift in mindset that has a dramatic impact on the language you choose and the way you structure your message.

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw. Consideration is the antidote to this illusion; it ensures your message is not just sent, but truly received.

This principle is about asking a series of questions before you ever write or say a word:

• Who is my audience? What is their role, background, and level of knowledge on this topic?
– What do they need or want to know? What is their primary concern? – How will they feel when they receive this message? Are they likely to be happy, anxious, or neutral? – What potential questions or objections might they have? – What is the best way to frame this message to be both clear and positive for them?

The “You-Attitude” in Practice

The most tangible way to demonstrate consideration is by adopting the “you-attitude.” This means phrasing your sentences to focus on the reader rather than the sender. It’s a subtle but powerful shift.

• Instead of (I-Attitude): “We need you to send us the report by Friday so we can complete our analysis.”
• Try (You-Attitude): “So your analysis can be included, please send the report by Friday.”

Notice the difference? The first example is a command focused on the sender’s needs. The second example is a polite request that highlights the benefit to the reader (“your analysis can be included”). It reframes the request from a burden to an opportunity. This is particularly important in written communication like email, where the lack of tone can make the “I-attitude” seem demanding. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of email communication helps you see why this considerate framing is so critical.

The Key Concepts of a Considerate Approach

Being a considerate communicator involves more than just using the word “you.” It’s a multi-faceted approach that includes the following key concepts.

1. Focus on the Reader’s Benefit

Whenever you are making a request or delivering information, try to frame it in terms of how it benefits the reader. People are naturally more motivated to act when they understand “what’s in it for me?” (WIIFM). This is a core principle in marketing and sales, but it applies to all forms of communication.

• Instead of: “We are now offering a new 24/7 customer support line.”
• Try: “You can now get the help you need, anytime you need it, with our new 24/7 customer support line.”

2. Emphasize the Positive

Even when you have to deliver bad news or deny a request, a considerate communicator finds a way to frame it as positively as possible. This doesn’t mean being dishonest or sugarcoating the truth. It means focusing on what *can* be done, rather than what *cannot* be done.

• Instead of: “We cannot ship your order until next Monday because the item is out of stock.”
• Try: “We can have your item on its way to you as soon as it arrives on Monday.”

Both sentences convey the same information, but the second one is less likely to cause frustration. It focuses on the solution and the positive future action.

3. Use Empathetic and Respectful Language

Consideration requires you to be mindful of your reader’s feelings. This means avoiding language that is accusatory, biased, or overly critical. It’s about maintaining a tone of mutual respect, even during a disagreement. This is especially important when communicating across different cultures or hierarchies within an organization.

4. Be Mindful of the Reader’s Time and Knowledge

A considerate communicator doesn’t waste their audience’s time. They provide all the necessary information upfront, anticipate questions, and avoid unnecessary jargon or acronyms. For example, in a formal document like a press release, consideration means providing clear, concise facts that a busy journalist can quickly understand and use.

Concept	Core Question	What to Do
Focus on Benefit (“You-Attitude”)	“What’s in it for them?”	Frame your message around the reader’s interests and benefits.
Emphasize the Positive	“How can I say this constructively?”	Focus on what can be done, not what can’t. Avoid negative or blaming language.
Show Empathy & Respect	“How might they feel?”	Acknowledge the reader’s perspective and use a polite, professional tone.
Be Mindful of Time & Knowledge	“What do they already know?”	Be concise, provide necessary context, and avoid jargon.

Become a More Considerate Communicator

Like any skill, communication improves with knowledge and practice. These books, available on Amazon, are essential reading for anyone looking to master the art of empathetic and influential communication.