How to Become a Better Communicator Presented by SkillPath Seminars

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved The Secret to Establishing Rapport Start by examining your own conduct Build rapport Improve your conduct

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Becoming the All ELECTRIC communicator Energy to pay attention and notice people Listening skills Enthusiasm for people’s answers and conversations Confidence that people want to talk to you Talking topics that draw people into the conversation Reaching out abilities and a willingness to include everyone Interest in observing your surroundings and asking questions based on what you see Connections that are meaningful

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Increase Trust at Work Get to know your co-workers their interests and their backgrounds because this will lead to: Group collaborations that run smoothly People who support you and the effort you make at work An overall pleasant work environment Support your supervisor because this will: Honor the chain of command Help your supervisor reach his or her objectives Show that you can be a team player

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Being Open to a Mutual Exchange of Ideas Let go of fear because it serves no purpose Take a chance—say hello! Think of what you want to learn from this interaction Don’t be on the defensive Smile—your million-dollar asset Use mirroring

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Reasons We Enter Into Conversation Information Contacts Friendship Convenience

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Other Great Beginnings to Conversations Simply observe Invite expertise Exchange information

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Factors That Affect Communication If you “communicate” in an abrupt and short manner, the person receiving that message will not be getting a positive image and that affects communication People have set individual impressions of you—regardless of what you’re saying or how you’re saying it.

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Four Focus Points for Clear Communication 1. Focus your message: 2. Get your listener’s attention 3. Get past the personal roadblocks: 4. Use active listening

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved It Really Does Matter Whether or Not People Like You Admit you aren’t perfect. Take time to understand the other person Use diplomacy Show respect for the other person’s opinions and feelings

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Three Sure-fire Ways to Make Enemies 1. Always be right or make others look wrong 2. Tell people they shouldn’t feel the way they do 3. Ridicule and abuse people

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved The Gentle Method to Get Others to See Your Point of View Ask questions the other person has to agree to, because then there is common ground you can work from Begin a discussion by emphasizing the things you agree on Get the other person saying “Yes” immediately—because then you’re on the same page and moving forward

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved 15 Vital Interpersonal Skills 1. Able to work with people 2. Possess social poise, self-assurance, confidence 3. Considerate of others 4. Tactful and diplomatic 5. Exhibit self-control 6. Able to analyze facts, understand and solve problems 7. Able to make decisions 8. Maintain high standards

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved 15 Vital Interpersonal Skills 9. Tolerant and patient 10. Honest and objective 11. Organize time and priorities 12. Delegate 13. Create enthusiasm 14. Persuasive 15. Have a high concern for communication

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Six Components of Personal Charisma 1. Demonstrating a high energy level 2. Paying attention to your appearance 3. Being able to take care of yourself 4. Being well spoken 5. Accepting compliments and admiration graciously 6. Smiling—you’ll look happy and peaceful

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Never Be Put on the Spot Again! 1. Listen. 2. Pause to organize your thoughts 3. Repeat the question 4. Give one main idea 5. STOP! Don’t end on an excuse.

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Listening Means You are Able to FOCUS Focus on the person telling the story Offer feedback and reflection Clarify by asking questions as needed Use expressions and gestures to reflect your feelings Share a similar story or situation to deepen the conversation

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Handling Put-downs Effectively Allow the other person to slow down or to vent feelings (Listen) Admit when you are wrong (I apologize for …) Acknowledge the other person’s feelings (Obviously, you feel …) Assert yourself about the way the other person is acting (I don’t like …) Make a short statement to bring the encounter to an end (I can understand your point without that)

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Keep Disagreements From Escalating into Arguments Welcome the disagreement Dismiss your first instinctive impression Manage your temper Listen Look for areas of agreement

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Keep Disagreements From Escalating into Arguments Be honest Promise to think over the other person’s ideas Thank the person sincerely for his or her interest Postpone action to give both sides time to think the problem through When all else fails, agree to disagree

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved When You Become Angry Freeze” your behavior Analyze the emotion Remove yourself if necessary

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved “Normal” Anger can be Traced to These Three Sources 1. Your personal goals do not match someone else’s 2. You don’t get the respect you think you deserve 3. Someone or something gets in the way of your having what you want

© 2007 SkillPath Seminars All rights reserved Making a Great First Impression Appearance Greeting Smile Be open and confident Be courteous and attentive first, because how you listen is as important as what you say