Clear communication comes from understanding your chunk. And I’m not talking about your body type:)
Chunks refer to a) how much and b) the type of information that best fits our individual processing styles. We each have our own style of communicating and receiving information. Some of us chatter away in paragraphs, others share single words or grunts. We also each have a unique type of information we need. For example, some of us only want big picture, some of us need all the details.
By matching the style of others, we can more clearly communicate. Here’s how.
Chunk: Paragraph vs the Single Word
We all know someone who answers our question with a novel. Those are really big chunkers when it comes to communicating information. They want and need a flow of large quantities of data. We also all know someone who answers a question with a single word answer or a grunt, no matter how much you try to draw them out. These are the little chunkers who want and need small quantities of information. And then there is everyone in between; those who want single sentences, 2 sentences, paragraphs and every other combo.
Matching the chunk size of another person is a proven way to create rapport and communicate clearly. When you match their chunk you can know that you’re communicating exactly the amount of information their mind is accustomed to processing. That’s why I teach chunk sizing when I’m training sales and marketing folks. This simply matching process can and will make tremendous impacts on any of our communication skills.
Chunk: Big Picture or the Details
Another aspect of chunking has to do with the type of information we want and need. Some of us are the big picture people, others care about the details. We’ve all had a boss who didn’t want to hear about the details of what was stalling our project. All they cared about was when it was going to be done. Then there’s the boss who micromanages everything, wanting to know as much as you do about the project, process or plan. That’s another form of chunking at work.
When we recognize the type of information another person needs to be comfortable and feel informed,we can match the information we share to their needs. That accelerates and streamlines communication. If we give a big picture person the details, they zone out and can get impatient. If we only give the big picture information to a detailed person – we leave them wanting more. Matching the level of information to someone else is pretty darned easy if you watch them for a while. Simply share the same type of information with them that they naturally share with others!
The Bottom Line
As a big chunker, I now understand why I feel like I’m pulling teeth when I’m trying to get a little chunker to give me the amount of data I need. Same thing goes for all those pesky details being shared with me when all I wanted was a status. Yep, I’m a big chunker! But now I know that we all have our own individual chunking preference that defines our information and communication needs. Somehow, that makes it so much easier for me to be patient as I wait for the information I want to flow.
Try identifying your own chunking preference, and that of others. Then practice matching others’ chunking styles when communicating. I noticed am immediate and positive impact. I’d LOVE to know what you experience!
By the way, chunking is also powerful in training and education. Check it out.
6 Comments
Amber-Lee Dibble
June 24, 2013 - 1:41 pmYeah, yeah, I’m a Chunker too. Big Chunks, small chunks, it all depends on the situation!! LOL, one thing that determines that for me is “does it waste my time, better spent elsewhere?”
But the important thing to understand, I think, Rebel, is HOW do we know? I see the importance of understanding this, and want to, but HOW do we KNOW, what others NEED from us, from me? To answer their question, soothe worries or, in many ways, close the deal?
The way I am interpreting this post is that it is important for me to know, so that I may be a better Leader and communicator.. (right?) But, I have been here with all of you brilliant humans for a while now, and see that, can easily make the connection of “Chunker”, but what about the people I want to help or serve? How do I know what they need from me? I don’t see asking them is going to give me the real answer…
rebel brown
June 24, 2013 - 1:59 pmHi Amber-Lee
Understanding how someone else chunks is as easy as listening to them. If they talk in large paragraphs or answer your questions with long answers – they are a big chunker. If its single word or shorter answers – they are a small chunker.
Same goes for types of information – if they give you lots of details – then they need details. If they give you big picture responses- they are big picture.
Simply ask a few questions and listen to their response…then match your quantity and type of response to theirs.
Does that help?
As for knowing everything about what other people need and want – that’s a bit beyond the focus of this specific blog post:):) He He … that said, If you were to run back through the posts I’ve been sharing for the past few weeks you will find lots of tips to understand more about the programs people are running.
The bottom line is usually pretty simple – ask questions. What motivates you? (Motivation) Why did you decide to buy that dress? (How they buy) Who is the best boss you ever had and why? (the best style of leadership for them.) These and more are all peppered thru the posts – depending on the focus of the post.
As for chunks – they help us understand how to match our information size and type to the other persons preferred style. To understand what they need – it really is as simple as listening to what they share with you…
Thanks as always for stopping by. Any more questions let me know! I’m always happy to help as I can….
Amber-Lee Dibble
June 24, 2013 - 3:02 pmThank you Rebel!
Yes, I see exactly what you mean now. I may sound silly, but I am serious about learning all I can. So much seems to be as simple as common sense… and as elusive (I was born with none!). So, I ask questions until it makes sense in my own mind, that way I can utilize it and make it my own.
I like this one, Rebel, and I HAVE been back-reading! But this one is like a “missing link” in my thought process. Chunks. I like it. Thank you for taking the time, it means a lot.
rebel brown
June 24, 2013 - 3:08 pmANYTIME Amber-Lee. I’m thrilled that you are so excited and involved in my passion!!! Whatever questions or input you need – always feel free to ask. I’ll do the best I can to make things clear, and learn from your questions and inputs the things I need to be more clear about!
ALWAYS grateful for you!
reb
Heather
June 25, 2013 - 7:34 amLOL! I am always amazed how some can answer a simple question with a long paragraph & I never know what the answer was! I married a big chunk (grunt)!
rebel brown
June 25, 2013 - 9:06 pmAnd I’m amazed at how someone can give a single word answer to such an important question:):) Isn’t it amazing how different we humans are!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing Heather.