One of the most important skills people need to improve and master are their communication abilities. Communication is an integral and essential part of any aspect in a person's life. Whether it is at home or at work, being able to communicate properly is crucial. This is even more of a factor for anyone in a business that deals with speaking to others. These 9 tips for empowering your communication skills can greatly help improve how you speak. This list of communication skills can not only help in private, but also in public places.
Being able to communicate in public places or in a business world is even consequential. The success of a business often hinges on how well those in charge can interact with others. In business meetings or when speaking with potential clients, communicating ineffectively can have catastrophic results. That may explain why there are so many public speaking courses or public speaking classes available. The importance of public speaking seminars are visible in the after effect it has on those that take them. For business owners or those in top positions in a company, obtaining executive communication coaching is key. It can be a determining factor on how well you carry out your job. And how much of an impact you can have on potential clients. It can also help to determine how fast and well you move up the corporate ladder in a company. Because everyone knows the importance of good communication in business.
Whether you require tips for improving your communication skills or need executive communication coaching, these effective communication tips can help. Nonetheless, while they offer some great advice, obtaining a public speaking coach will provide even greater results. These tips below can pave the way for improving the way you communicate with others. But, if you want to become even better at oral presentations, attending public speaking seminars will help you even more. The 9 tips for empowering your communication skills below, can help you get started on the right path to communicating successfully.
Know Your Audience
One of the biggest mistakes people often make when speaking to others is not realizing or recognizing who their audience is. It is very crucial to always know who you are talking to. An example would be for those that use informal language or acronyms when speaking to friends or family. However, when you are in a professional setting, acronyms should be avoided. The same goes for slang or unprofessional language. The most effective communicators throughout history became that way because they knew who their audience was. More importantly, they based and used their message with targeting precision in order to focus on the audience.
Make Communication A Top Priority
You need to make communication a top priority in your life. The more time you dedicate to improving your speaking skills, the better you will get each day. If you have trouble speaking in public places or around others, then there are many top rated public speaking seminars you can take. You can also use an expert public speaking coach. You can take classes, read books or seek a mentor. For those in the business world looking to become better communicators, there are also top rated executive communication coaching available.
Think Before You Speak
President Obama was sometimes chided by critics for his tendency to pause when speaking. However, he is considered one of the best communicators in history when it comes to Presidents of the U.S. Thinking before you speak is essential since it allows you to think about what you are going to say, before you say it. You cannot say the first things that come to your mind. Paying close attention to what you are saying and how you are saying it, is crucial. And thinking before you speak will ensure that you avoid saying something embarrassing.
Take Time To Listen
A vast majority of people never take time to listen to the other person(s) or audience they are speaking to. Listening is not the same as hearing. You have to make sure that you listen - really listen - to what the other person is saying to you. Doing this will allow you to deliver accurate responses and engage your audience better. In case you are unsure, don't be afraid to ask for clarifications. When speaking to someone on a one on one basis, pay attention to them.
Body Language Speaks Volumes
Being a great speaker does not only mean that your mouth is the only source of attention. Your body language will also go a long way in how well your message is received by others. 65% of communication is non-verbal, according to research. When you are in a business meeting or video conferencing, body language is crucial. Avoid crossing your arms or appearing as if you are not accessible due to your body language. Make eye contact with the person or people you are speaking to as well as those that are speaking to you.
Stay On Message
Some people tend to ramble on or go off message when they are speaking to others. However, staying on message is very important. The same goes for making sure your message is simplified. The Gettysburg Address by President Lincoln was only 286 words in total. That amounts to two minutes in length. Using simple, yet straightforward language is the key to engaging and keeping your audience interested. You can hone in on these skills by attending a public speaking class or public speaking seminars as well.
Stay Positive And Smile
The worst mistake a person can commit when speaking to others is having a frown on their face. While some may not frown, they don't smile often enough. As a result, they can lose their audience or even alienate them. A smile and a positive attitude go hand in hand. It is very rare to see someone with a smile on their face have a negative attitude. Exuding a positive message not only comes from your voice, but also your smile.
Write Your Message Down
There is nothing wrong with writing down some of the things you may want to say to someone. This is even more important when speaking in a meeting or in front of a large group. Don't rely on your memory alone to carry you through the meeting. Forgetting something crucial can have dire consequences in certain situations. It is better to jot down a few ideas of your speech, than to forget them altogether. In the business world, your message is everything. For those that have problems in this area, there are executive communication coaching available to help them improve.
Ask For Feedback
Communicating is a two-way street. That means that you have to make sure your message was understood. One of the best ways to ensure this happens is to ask for feedback. Too often, we tend to think we have reached a solution to a problem and have reached an understanding. However, we come to find out later on that we may have misunderstood what the other person was saying. If not, then the other person did not understand or misunderstood what we meant. Asking for input will safeguard against any misinterpretation of your message. In addition, the other parties involved will feel great about knowing their message has been heard and understood as well.
Speaking in public or communicating well is easier for some, while it can be extremely difficult for others. At the same time, like any skills, there are some aspects of communicating well that can only learned via coaching. This is especially true for those in the business world. For anyone who wants to become a better speaker, there are executive communication coaching classes available. Some of the best speakers in history had a public speaking coach help them at one time or another. If you want to become better at communicating, attend a public speaking class or public speaking seminars right away.
Taking your communication skills to the next level
While there are multiple places to get tips & tricks for public speaking, we believe hands-on-training is the way to truly master public speaking. If you are looking for proven techniques for preparing and delivering effective presentations; greater confidence in your presentation skills ability; and new tools for effective communication look no further. Excellence in Speaking Institute, our signature course, provides all of the above and each attendee also receives an individualized game plan for how to further improve and enhance their skills after the course.
