Public Speaking

The Harvard Business School came out with a recent study stating the average leader believes they over-communicate, when in reality the average leader under-communicates by a ratio of one to 100. Starting TODAY, communicate more often, do it exceptionally well and do it in different ways, to increase the chance of being heard.

Over-communicating and doing it well means understanding the importance of getting to the point. The majority of individuals I’ve the opportunity to work with ramble because they speak in run-on sentences. Even more frightening, most individuals are not aware they ramble.

If you want to be an exceptional communicator, find out what exceptional communicators do and follow it. Find out what poor communicators do and don’t do it. You may be grinning right now and saying, “Well duh. I know this.” Do you really? I’ve asked thousands of individuals the question, “What drives you crazy about how some individuals communicate?” Their responses include;

• Individuals who take forever to get to the point.
• Individuals who ramble and speak with non-words (i.e.; uh, um, like, and, so, ok, but, etc.)
• Individuals who fidget with their fingers, rings, hair, pen, etc.
• Individuals who don’t look me in the eyes consistently when they speak.
• And the number one response; individuals who talk to their notes, PowerPoint slides, etc.

As my participants are sharing these responses, they’re demonstrating these behaviors without even knowing it. Most of us are oblivious to what our listeners see and hear when we communicate, whether we’re communicating face-to-face or over the phone.

Face-to-face communication seems to be becoming a lost art. Since we’re doing it less often due to the ease of technology, our ability to communicate exceptionally well is negatively impacted. Make face-to-face communication your new trend if you want to;

• Minimize miscommunication.
• Influence your listeners to take action.
• Motivate your peers and teams.
• Build and cultivate relationships – personally and professionally.

Use a variety of ways to communicate to make sure you’re being heard. For example, when the stakes are high, deliver your message in person, then follow up this conversation with an email or written announcement. Following your face-to-face conversation, identify the second form of communication based on your listener’s expectations.

Do your listeners prefer email, a conference call or written communication? To make sure you are heard you’ll need to communicate your message more than once. Ask your listeners questions to ensure they understand your message.

How would you define a high-stakes situation that would require a face-to-face conversation? Here’s a start.

• Negotiating fees, services, time frame for a project, etc.
• Building a relationship with a potential client for the first time.
• Resolving a challenging situation.
• Asking for clarification.

Communication doesn’t need to be complicated if we get back to the basics and begin improving our face-to-face communication FIRST. During your next face-to-face conversation ask yourself; is what I’m saying consistent with how I’m saying it? Based on the importance of my message did I communicate enough? Is what I meant to say understood?

How important is it for you to make a change in your communication? If you have a clear purpose, want and desire, you can begin TODAY changing the way you communicate forever.