Being able to get your intended message across can be more difficult than you might think. Most of you probably think that you know how to communicate because you have been doing it since you were born. However, unless you receive some honest feedback from the listener you cannot be absolutely sure that the communication was received and computed as desired. In addition, if the message was not heard, you will not enjoy the expected outcome.
Miscommunication results in conflict, disappointment, resentment, and complaining, all of which cause you stress and lowered productivity, efficiency, and creativity.
Therefore, it is much more beneficial to learn how to communicate with impact, clarity, and influence.
Here are some keys to help you be more effective with interpersonal exchanges and presentations.
- Consider the needs of your audience so that the “packaging” of your message will be enticing, engaging, and meaningful, as this will make it more likely that they will listen more intently.
- Clearly outline the benefits of what you wish the audience to do because of the reasons for changing their behaviour or for following your instructions so that they make sense in a compelling manner to the listeners, again they will then be more likely to do as suggested.
- Always tell the truth, in that way you will truly be authentic, and honesty is always the very best policy as the audience will sense your sincerity. This approach will also give you credibility which will likely ensure a better chance for the generation of voluntary compliance with your wishes. Besides, this also validates your expertise and competence which are more reasons for your audience to listen closely and do as you wish. If you ever make something up or ‘hedge’ your answer or information, someone in the audience, maybe more than one person, will know the truth and you will instantly lose credibility and they will no longer trust that what you are telling them is true or worth listening to.
- Have a clear goal in mind so that you can formulate your message appropriately to achieve that particular outcome. It is much easier to complete something when you know exactly what you are trying to accomplish. In addition, with that in mind, you will be better able to decide what information you wish to include in your presentation.
- Practice, practice, practice…new skills require the implementation of strategies and tools that will provide you with the desired outcomes, however, you can only accomplish those goals when you have mastered the techniques necessary to become an impactful communicator. The more you prepare the more confident you will feel when delivering your session and that will resonate with your audience.
Finally, if you are to become an effective communicator, employing the elements described above will be a great help in achieving improved outcomes and less conflict in all aspects of your life.
Sandy, this article is written about a subject matter that you have a great deal of experience in. As a result, your expertise gives you the credibility and respect that you deserve. None of the articles I read that concern themselves in your areas present information that is anywhere near as comprehensive in scope or as practical as what you do. This article as per your usual not only demonstrates your experience but clearly puts you ahead of the others as your points are practical while being very easy to implement. Your understanding of communication and what goes into written or oral communication is so far superior to anything else I have seen. I freely admit to being very prejudiced towards you from the vantage point of seeing what you do, what you have done along with your long lists of accomplishments. Conversely, I have connections on Linked In who also do coaching, etc. as you do but right from the word go they pale in comparison to you when you look at their body fo work. There are certain people who stand out because they are head and shoulders above the rest for good reason. In my estimation this describes you. Thank you, Sandy!
Hi Joel, thank you so much. Communication is the cornerstone for most of my soft skills training and that is why I am so passionate about it. As you know I have written a book on communication and begin many of my training programs with that aspect of Soft Skills. I really appreciate your support & encouragement and the fact that you read my posts. I also appreciate your expertise and enjoy reading your articles. Shabbat Shalom!