IT’S: The word it’s can only mean it is or it has. Anything belonging to or pertaining to “it” should be written its, because possessive pronouns don’t have apostrophes. Examples: It’s raining again. It’s been a long day. The dog is eating its dinner.

POSSESSIVES AND PLURALS: Plural words should not end with ’s, despite what you may see at the market. The ’s usually denotes possessive singular. Examples: The carrots are orange. The carrot’s skin is orange. Words which are both possessive and plural can take the ending s’ or s’s if they end in an s for the plural. Irregular possessive plurals just have ’s added to the plural. Examples: Men’s, ladies’ and children’s clothing.

SPELLING: Many words have spellings which are derived from others and can be logically determined. One example is the difference between stationary and stationery. Stationery is sold in a stationer’s shop and stationary is the adjective pertaining to an object which isn’t moving. The words infinite and definite can be considered to have derived from finite. The contraction should’ve means should have, NOT should of.

HYPHENS: Hyphens can be used to make compound adjectives but are not used with adverbs. (Adverbs usually end in ly. The word well is the adverb from good.) Examples:

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A second common barrier to communication is built upon fear of negative response. A desire not to offend or displease others, especially those in the higher ranks. This fear of reprisal will prevent an individual from speaking out with their own input especially if it is one which is not in keeping with popular opinion.  It will hinder the group decision making effort if an officer does not put forth their own opinion.  As a Supervisor it is important to continually stress to the subordinate group that the popular response to a situation is not always going to be the best response and everyone should have an opportunity to make their own suggestions when the situation necessitates a group decision making process.

Environmental influences will be the most common obstacles in communicating on the job. Whether communication is a face-to-face situation or a ten-code that was unintelligible each time what is said is not completely understood the safety of everyone becomes a factor in the line of duty.  Pronouncing all words clearly and slowly will better facilitate understanding amongst the group. In face-to-face communication, body language and individual physical cues will aid in comprehension of the spoken word. Non-verbal cues are impossible in radio transmission so be sure if at all possible to transmit from a strong signal area to prevent misunderstandings. Ask for clarification when what is said runs the risk of being misinterpreted.

Two areas which will prove difficult for communication is between intercultural exchanges where different languages is a factor and serves as  barriers and the hearing impaired  where one individual does not possess the adequate ability to hear as well as others. Always be sure to use gestures and body language when an interpreter is not available to facilitate the exchange.  For hearing impaired, the use of written language is also appropriate.  The intercultural barrier will prove most difficult in taking statements from witnesses in the field and can prove the most stressful short of a bullet but it can also be very useful in developing human skills based on the development of instinct and the art of listening.

The physical barrier of intercultural exchanges and inability to hear and comprehend will test the patience and commitment of most officers. Just as difficult to overcome will be the “psychological barriers which are based on an individual’s beliefs, judgments, values, needs, life experiences, emotion, education, training and goals”(p. 68). It should be stressed to everyone that while each may hear the same statement in the same situation the differing traits among individuals will result in different interpretations based on perspectives or expectations.

Another example of a psychological barrier to communication is recognized when what is said can have a variety of different meanings. A common phrase, for instance, “I’m going to kill you for what you did” may have multiple meanings.  This might be a threat or a joke depending on the context. This is an example of semantics where one word or phrase can and does have multiple meanings. By realizing these barriers and remaining committed to the goal or task at hand, these barriers which hinder and block oral communication can be overcome. Any factor that slows the information exchange   can be overcome with a great deal of patience and determination. Without patience the barrier will become a stumbling block.  Impressing upon subordinates that many times what they take away from a situation is dependent on what they bring to it can further develop the human skills necessary in a police environment. It sometimes must be overstressed to an officer the need to acquire a working knowledge of common witness semantics and phrases in order to identify the key words or phrases necessary to the extraction of information. “Effective communication can only take place when the actual symbolic meaning of words is shared.”

“Thou shall love thy neighbor…” according to the Christian Bible. Yet, when we watch television, listen to the conversations of strangers and read the newspaper, there isn’t too much loving each other happening. Some of us will attempt to show love by doing thoughtful things for friends, family, co-workers and strangers and at times it seems our efforts are in vain. Establishing quality relationships with people aren’t easy for everyone. Further an even greater challenge when trying to communicate with difficult people who don’t return thoughtful actions. How do we manage to build relationships with difficult people we may need in the future, although they may not seem to care too much about us?

1. Know Who You are Trying to Impress

   Is he or she really difficult or is that office gossip? Is Uncle Mark really a hard person to deal with or did someone in the family say that because they couldn’t get what they wanted from him? Listen to what people say, but avoid the temptation to prematurely judge them before you get to know them.

2. Know Your Limits

    If you want to impress upon someone that you need them in your personal or professional life, then know how far you would like to take the relationship before you spend time meeting with them, doing favors, talking on the phone, visiting, sending letters and buying gifts. You do not want to invest time on someone who may or may not help you in the future.

3. Watch Out for Other Opportunists

   The one that you may be seeking to make an impression might just need you for something as well that would be perfect; however, there is the possibility that they may only be using you to get what they want. Find out what their plans are by knowing what their role is in the company, what they have accomplished in the past and with whom do they spend their personal time.

4. Set Boundaries

   The rules that you create for yourself when communicating with individuals should not include any negativity. Define what you will and will not say before you begin conversing with him or her.

5. Be Careful of Those Around Them

   People who we are trying to impress will always have a favorite friend, family member or someone around them that is extremely loyal. He or she has made their selves responsible for the one you are trying to impress. The rule of thumb here is to make a good impression on the loyal associates as well. How you do it is up to you. You will have to study the people around them, because as you may already know, they are studying you.

6. Be a Power Persuader

   What this means is to communicate to the one you are trying to impress how relating to you will be in their best interest. You will have to know what you have to offer. For example, if a man wants to date a woman, he will take the time to find out what she likes in a man and recreate who is based on what she wants. Although this tactic has burned a lot of men later in the relationship, because they took out far too much of who they are and could not maintain the act, it certainly helps to at least provide some benefits.

7. Stay Focused

   If you know that this person is actually taking an interest in who and what you are representing, then make them feel as if they are the only one. Don’t provide any indication that you may drop them and go off with someone else. This type of behavior not only occurs in intimate relationships where cheating occurs, but also with family members and co-workers. Tom needs Uncle Mark’s assistance with his car. Uncle Mark helps him. Tom needs another favor. Uncle Mark can’t help immediately, but would like for Tom to come over to watch the game, then he will help him later. Tom passes on the offer and tells Uncle Mark he will ask someone else. He calls Uncle Pete instead while bad mouthing Uncle Mark about not helping him. Do you see the problem? Now think of an example similar to this that occurs at your workplace.

8. Remember to Say Thank You

   There is etiquette to saying these words in various ways. A simple thank you mouthed for a simple task is nice and appreciated. However, when people have come together to show you support, you want to keep them close. Do a little something for everyone, taking one day at a time or simply buy a stack of thank you cards, pencils, candies, etc. These people may be able to help you get closer to what you want if you just acknowledged them. Word may also get to that difficult person you are trying to impress as well and may help you establish credibility with he or she.

9. Don’t Take Reactions Personally

   People have bad days. Eye-rolling, head swinging, deep sighing and other similar body language may not have anything to do with you; therefore don’t take it personally. Be polite. Say what you need to say. Allow them to come back to you with any questions or comments.

10. Keep Your Promises

    If you make an appointment, keep it and show up early. Don’t spend time talking about your self. Avoid making meaningless statements of flattery, talking quickly, in excess and interrupting a lot.

Once you receive that long awaited meeting with this difficult person, remember to do the following: If he or she is a professional…When selling an idea, have a plan outlined on paper being sure that it is detailed, grammatically correct and has a timeline. Mention who will be working with you, benefits to the company and how much it will cost and how it will be financially supported. Add short and long-term goals and what impact your plan will make on the future. If he or she is a personal acquaintance…Be open to answering questions, provide thoughtful answers, watch how you speak and what you say. Avoid rushing into exactly what you want unless asked. Instead, talk about what you can provide then lead in to what you need. Be sure that what you are requesting they will not feel as if you are asking far too much for what you are willing to give. Be ready to compromise.