The Art of Communication A management consultants view
Successful communication & conversation “Without strong communication skills and solid business etiquette, you limit your potential, risk your image, jeopardize relationship that are fundamental to business success.”
Debunking the myth – Hairdressers and opticians? Clients pay huge sums of money for highly paid magicians to appear and make problems go away with the wave of a wand… Trusted advisors is engaged because of their ability to listen to a client’s problem, deconstruct complex issues into tangible terms and apply their experience to find a mutually beneficial solution. All of these rely on our ability to effectively communicate. “ Seek first to understand then to be understood” Franklin Covey
Preparing to communicate “You cannot not communicate. Everything you do or say, don’t do or don’t say communicates something.” - A very wise, but anonymous person
Preparing to communicate – pop quiz WORDS 7% HEAR 38% SEE 55% What's the most effective means of communication? Words Listening Sight
Practice Viewpoint Be confident, creative and daring Be inquisitive & love learning Be engaging & insightful Be Different Read your audience Be sympathetic to outcomes Be experiential/anecdotal Be ‘real’ Be prepared Be flexible and like the challenge of uncertainty Listen, listen… speak Love what you do.. They’ll love who you are Above all…. HAVE FUN!!! No ‘I’ in team F - Fun I - Intelligent T - Team Player When presenting V - Variety of methods I - Interactive V – Visual E - Examples
A word from the wise – McKendry’s pearl Do “If you want to learn, take risks and don’t be afraid to try. You cant always do things you know well” Don’t “Make sure you manage expectations – don’t promise the universe and deliver an island. Your client comes first, whether that’s external or your manager, VP or colleague”
Preparing to communicate 60 second elevator pitch Three steps: -Plan(what’s the goal of the meeting) -Prepare(what you want to say) -Preview(all supporting materials)
Successful communication & conversation VERBAL In Person/Phone Volume/Intonation/Pace/Clarity NON-VERBAL Written ( , correspondence) Presence and Body Language Eye Contact & Handshake Attire Perfume/Cologne Eating Types of communication
Successful communication & conversation Arrival Building Rapport Effective Listening Body Language & Eye Contact Honesty Follow-up Interviews
Successful communication & conversation One Point of Contact Respect the audience and their time Confirm details in writing Honor Your Commitments Leaving voic s Be honest and be fair Communicating with leadership
Successful communication & conversation We speak at a rate of words per minute Brain can process more than 500 words per minute Filtering what you hear Consider speaker’s motivation Eliminate distractions Clarify messages with the speaker Conversation includes listening C Connect Consider Clarify 3
Successful communication & conversation Cell Phone Fast Speaking Interruption Slang Eye Contact with Audience Attire Common pitfalls
Building relationship Creating communication that is warm and sincere establishes rapport and connects with people Key is to be genuinely interested in getting to meet and know others (even if only briefly) It is called Net-work-ing Networking
Building the relationship Appropriate dress & hygiene Business demeanor & manners Smile, stay connected and upbeat First to shake hands – firm but relaxed Initiate & generate conversation Open ended questions, keep conversation flowing Remember who you have met Remember you are a seller and a buyer Networking Dos
Building the relationship Networking Don’ts Talk too much, or too long to one person Use poor humor Check voice or messages Drink alcohol in excess Sit down, flirt, or leave for a smoke Look around while talking with someone Approach with questions in restroom Linger all night when the event is over
Action plans Career center seminars and training sessions Toastmasters Youtube!
Questions?