Communication from my point of view

Be aware.  I am not an official communicator.  I do not have a degree in Communications; no one has certified me as having any skill in the field. 

I'll be arrogant enough, however, to tell you that this is what I believe.  I write these words as if I am the object of your communication efforts:

1. If you want me to know something, then you have to make the effort to bring it to my attention.  I won't see it otherwise.  Whatever it is that you want me to know probably matters more to you than to me, so you need to be proactive about it.  Don't just sit around assuming I'll find out what you want me to know on my own.  I won't.
2. Please do not assume that telling me once is enough.  You need to tell me 10 times for me to hear it once.  Don't assume I'm not listening if you tell me once, in one particular way, that if I don't act on it, I'm not interested.  You haven't worked hard enough for me to find out what you are trying to tell me.
3. You need to tell me in more ways that one.  Use lots of different methods to get my attention.  Don't assume that because you are using the easiest method or the one that you listen to the most that I am like you, and will be listening.
4. If you are communicating, it is your job to communicate in a way that I will understand.  Don't be angry at me if I don't understand you; it's your job to make yourself understood.  Remember, it's more important to you that to me.
5. If you have told me, and I acknowledged that you told me, remind me anyway.  I may not remember, but you are remembering, so remind me.