What makes a great communicator?
Most organisations need good communicators - individuals who are able to clearly express themselves both in their verbal and written word. The problem is, ‘excellent communication skills’ is a term that is often used without really knowing what it looks, feels and sounds like.
Having an excellent communicator is actually about having the ability clearly and simply convey information to others so that things get done (and done correctly!). But it’s also about being able to read your audience and adapt yourself to new and different situations. It’s about having empathy and understanding how your words will be interpreted by varying audiences. What’s one of the key tasks in gaining empathy for your audience? Being a great listener and a keen observer!
Communicate with confidence – this increases your audience’s willingness to listen.
Communicate assertively – communication that is direct and respectful gives you the best chance of successfully delivering your message. Communicating too passively or aggressively results in an audience too busy reacting to your delivery to actually hear the message.
Listen with purpose – listen to gain empathy for your audience, to understand who they are and what position they are coming from, how well they understand your message and what additional needs they may have.
Be approachable – if others don’t find you approachable you’ll lack the opportunity for any communicating at all!
Author: Steph Jeuken
Categories: Self Development, Political Savvy, Teams, Leading & Managing,