The ability to communicate effectively is an imperative skill that must be practiced and polished without end. This is a skill that separates a poor leader from an exceptional one. Whether at work or in any facet of your life, being a great communicator will serve you immensely.
Better communication at work will:
- Eliminates misunderstandings
- Inspire confidence and demand respect from you as a speaker and a leader
- Encourage a healthy and peaceful work environment
- Set the foundation for a smooth, efficient, professional workflow
- Open the lines of communication with your team
- Empower your team to reach targets with greater ease
Choose an Appropriate Communication Forum
- Have an open meeting. Choose this forum so that listeners can hear, see and feel what you are saying. It will bring everyone together so that the lines of communication can remain open and ideas can be bounced off of one another.
- One on one. Some people will always be more approachable and receptive in a personal setting. Remember to maintain eye contact, enabling your message to sink in.
- Emails allow you to communicate without taking up valuable work time.
- Presentations, such as a PowerPoint presentation, engage the power of visuals to get the message through. Your audience can also refer back to the material post-presentation if they are not sure of something.
Whichever setting you use to communicate your thoughts and ideas, be sure to enunciate for clarity, pronounce words correctly, check your grammar and animate your words with appropriate tone, body language and visuals. It can be difficult to determine tone of voice through written communication, so opt for in person if it makes sense for what you’re relaying.
Be Aware of Body Language
Are your arms and legs crossed, showing disinterest in the conversation or making you seem closed off? Are you making eye contact, conveying interest and encouraging your team to be interested in return? Pay attention to your body language – it speaks volumes. It passes your message fast and better than words. Smile, practice good posture, shake hands firmly, make eye contact and use appropriate hand gestures when speaking.
Be Professional and Powerful
Don’t be too casual. Infuse your walk and talk with purpose, passion and seriousness. This will earn respect from your team and audience, making the conversation more comfortable for everyone. Your message will be taken more seriously and your confidence will inspire confidence in others.
Be the Example
Acting out your message in front of your team will solidify it in their minds. There is little room for excuses to be made by your team when you are the walking, talking example of what is being discussed. This also goes back to “being professional.”
Listen
We have two ears and one mouth, which highlights the importance of listening to others (and ourselves) before we speak. Showing your interest in others is a key piece of communicating effectively. Listen to understand, not to answer. Focus fully on the speaker, repeating their words back to them for clarity, but avoid interrupting. This will ensure that you are both on the same page.
Encourage Feedback
Empower your audience by leaving the lines of communication open. Allow time for questions and feedback. Remember that it’s not all about you, and that sharing ideas will benefit the team as a whole. Try taking a poll at your next open meeting, asking open-ended questions of your audience, and introducing a designated time for questions at the end of the meeting. Open yourself to others’ perspectives without immediately turning down their opinions; use constructive criticism and try to find a common ground.
Get to the Point
Neither rambling nor mumbling will be appreciated by your audience. Rather, be concise and clear in your message, speaking with purpose. It is helpful to focus on your central idea. For example, when speaking about a project that must be finished, include the specific time and date that you expect the completed product to arrive at your desk.
Don’t Sugarcoat Bad News
If you have some negative news to share, deliver it in person and say it how it is. Chances are they already know something is up, so beating around the bush will only prolong the inevitable and provoke anxiety. Do not deliver bad news via email, as it will be received as impersonal and insincere.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Last but surely not least, practice communicating. Take advantage of every situation you encounter to refine your skill. Observe others in public and pay attention to body language and group communication. After each conversation with a coworker, ask yourself what you have learned from them and the conversation. By your unwavering willingness to learn, you will open yourself up to more opportunities.
Your words aren’t the only thing that conveys your message; it is your whole self. Your attitude, what you do with your hands and your feet, your self-confidence and tone of voice – these all play a role in effective communication. Learn more about Salefish LLC if you’re ready to take your communication in sales to the next level.
