Become a master communicator

Being an excellent communicator is arguably one of the most sought-after skills in business today. Communicating is easy... right? It’s all about being a great talker... WRONG. Communication is so much more than saying what it is we want to say.

Before we learnt to talk we learnt two other important things; we learnt to listen and to understand. We also learnt how to get our messages across and quickly influence our audience, without even speaking a word.

Communication forms the backbone of our business and personal relationships. Mastering communication is an influential leadership tool and a competitive advantage. Have you ever worked for a boss who was technically excellent but terrible with people? Chances are they weren’t good at communicating. Can you recall a boss that completely inspired and captivated you with their stories and experiences, yet allowed you to be heard and valued your opinion? It’s these feelings that great communicators can evoke in their audiences.

1. Listen.

Active listening remains at the heart of good communication. Listening means understanding what the person means, not just what they say. A mentor of mine shared with me a very simple but useful tool that I often use when I am working with clients - ‘W-A-I-T – ‘Why Am I Talking?’. Encouraging others to talk by asking open ended questions is one of the simplest ways to get what you want. Clarifying is also a particularly simple tool to ensure you have understood correctly and no misinterpretation has taken place.

2. Start with the end in mind.

This is relevant to any form of communication. When considering how to approach the conversation/ presentation/ conflict, consider the specific outcomes you want and work back from there. Create a picture of how you want the interaction to take place and then plan the most effective way to get there. Consider the feelings, background and needs of your audience before your own when developing your plan.

3. Always speak the truth.

Learning to speak the truth directly and respectfully is one of the most important tools of communication. Being honest radically simplifies your life and it establishes you as a person of trustworthiness and character. Your reputation is everything. Always speak the truth and quickly admit when you are wrong!

4. Think before you speak!

Ann Landers put it so sweetly when she said: “The trouble with talking too fast is you may say something you haven't thought of yet”. Communicating isn’t about showing people how much you know – it’s about achieving the outcome you want and this often requires more listening than speaking. Speaking succinctly is the best way to get your point across. In times of high energy I can’t overestimate the value of two or three deep breaths!

5. Make a habit of speaking to people you normally wouldn’t.

When was the last time you spoke to someone you didn’t know very well and were surprised and delighted by what an interesting individual they were? Who knows what hidden talents exist around your workplace or the other communities you are part of. People who you normally wouldn’t mix or work with can bring fresh and new perspectives to the business challenges you face. Why not spend some time connecting with someone new this week?

6. See things from the other person’s point of view.

Ensuring your message has meaning for the other party is crucial if it is to be received and understood. Always consider what the world looks like from the other person’s point of view. A message without meaning is often better left unsaid! If you’re ever unsure, ask.

7. Get to the point – quickly.

Everyday we are bombarded with thousands and thousands of messages. The filters in our brain block out the majority of irrelevant messages, only taking in those that are within the scope of our focus. Whether you are presenting to one thousand people at a conference, ten people at a team meeting or one potential customer or supplier, it’s critical to get to your point quickly. Asking questions up front will ensure you can target your message where the recipients focus or interest is.

8. Be present.

Apart from being rude, not listening and responding to others with your whole head, heart and body will often mean you miss out on a really important message. If you have other things on your mind, try to park them when you are dealing with others, or politely excuse yourself. This includes listening for someone’s name when they introduce themselves and making eye contact. A great rule of thumb is to treat your staff and suppliers like you would expect them to treat your most important customers.

9. Leave your baggage behind!

Let’s face it, carrying around a bag full of negative ‘stuff’ just makes your load heavier. To get your message heard and understood, the key is finding common ground, not arming yourself for a battle ground! The next time you have a difficult situation to deal with, try leaving your baggage outside the door as you walk in. Don’t ever assume, ask permission to address tricky subjects – you can then openly discuss issues that may be sensitive.

10. Become genuinely interested in other people.

Take the time to listen and be genuinely interested in what others are saying. If you demonstrate a real interest in helping the other person achieve what they want, they will reciprocate. They will communicate more freely and openly and listen more attentively, because they feel valued. Always do what you say you will. Follow up verbal communication with written clarification to ensure no misunderstanding took place. It’s not enough to just be technically smart in the workplace anymore, it’s how ‘people smart’ you are that has emerged as the new yardstick. So whilst you’re probably doing many of these things naturally, everyday as you influence and lead in your business and personal lives, why not try adopting just one new tip this week and see what a difference it makes?

Belinda Cordina is the Managing Director of Brave Coaching and Consulting Pty Ltd and the publisher of Brave New World. Belinda helps her clients unlock and develop human potential through creating new ways of thinking and performing while having a hell of a lot of fun. She inspires brave thinking and peak performance through providing coaching and training programs specially crafted for marketing and communications professionals. If you’d like to feel inspired, challenged and learn a little more visit: www.bravecoaching.com or contact us at: admin@bravecoaching.com.

We will show you how you can make money in the new economy!

Our aim is to Show Mummy the Money!

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

Every effort has been made to ensure that this website is free from error or omissions. However the publisher, the contributors and their respective employees or agents do not accept responsibility for injury, loss or damage occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of material in this website whether or not such injury, loss or damage is in anyway due to any negligent act or omission, breach of duty or default on the part of the publisher, the author or their respective employees or agents.