Dear Dana
I am not an academic, and will not copy/paste from the internet, I will tell you what I think and what I have been doing for the past30 years as a businessman.
Listen carefully to what people say want and mean (Understand the issue)
Know the task or project details (Ask direct questions)
Communicate in short direct sentences straight to the point (be blunt)
Never use emotional words, use diplomatic words
Be very prompt in your replies
Be very proactive and positive in your communication messages
I hope this helps
Kind regards
Khalid S. Barghouti