In the last post (7 Tips for Communicating Effectively, Part 1) I shared three of the seven tips for being a better communicator. Here are the remaining tips (originally from Kevin Daum at Inc.com):
4. Focusing
Let’s review so far. Let’s say we’ve connected with someone, engaged them, disarmed their insecurities and thus earned their attention. Rambling on aimlessly will cause you to lose the ground you’ve just gained, so avoid this by being focused and organized in your communication. Use structure and planning to organize key ideas in an interesting manner; organization will also help you develop your ideas with consistency and avoid contradictions. Kevin Daum advises:
“Plan your conversations, thinking through what comes out of your mouth. Set structure to your speech and soon you’ll be able to communicate ideas in an efficient and powerful way.”
5. Clarifying
Ever attended a math class where you were so saturated with information you couldn’t hear yourself think? If you overwhelm your listeners, they will zone out (like we all have during a boring lecture). One of Reagan’s winning strengths was being simple and clear. Don’t assume just because you understand what you’re saying that your audience does.
“Amazing communicators find ways to simplify complex concepts without being condescending. Check in during the conversation to make sure everyone is still on board.”
6. Reinforcing
We only retain about 10% of the information we hear. So, if you want your audience to remember anything you said, you’ll need to reinforce it in an interesting way, through storytelling, context and/or repetition (but without being redundant or preachy). Simplify the point of your message and keep that in mind while you speak and listen.
“Make an effort to be dynamic and thoughtful in your delivery so listeners get depth and emphasis rather than a miscellany of concepts. What’s the point of pontificating if no one gets it?”
7. Practice, practice, practice!
Just like any other skill, good communication takes practice. You will undoubtedly have lots of opportunity to communicate, but unless you willingly commit to improving you will continue to be stuck with your own communication weaknesses.
“By committing time to improving, you are showing your friends and colleagues that you respect their time and attention… Sure, there are a few naturals, but most of the professional speakers and leaders practice for many hours. Their business and careers depend on it. And, truthfully, so does yours.”
Do you have your own communication tips and tricks to share? Let us know!
From http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/7-things-really-amazing-communicators-do.html?cid=em01016week41a
