The Five W’s – How to Communicate Effectively

[This article was published on Arbitration Forums, Inc.'s employee intranet site.]

June is Effective Communications Month, which aims to shed light on strategies we can adopt to improve our communication. To celebrate, let’s highlight how to use the Five W’s to better convey our messages.  

When was the last time you had a miscommunication? Usually, miscommunication boils down to a lack of context. Maybe you were in a hurry and forgot to share details or you assumed the other person had previous knowledge. The best way to clear up a misunderstanding is to ask questions. Speaking up when you don’t understand is the best way to help yourself, and others, gain context and prevent assumptions.

At AF, we value open and honest communication. We ensure communication is consistent, timely, and focused on building connection with our employees and across our organization. We hold ourselves to a high standard of transparent and timely communication with our members.

Although most commonly used in journalism, the Five W’s can be used for any situation to gather more details. When you need to share information with others, ask yourself the following questions to ensure you are painting a complete picture.

Alternatively, you can ask others these questions when you find yourself needing more information.

Who is involved or will be affected?

What is happening?

When will this happen or when did it occur?

Where will the event take place?

Why is the event happening?