Communication doesn't just entail speaking. According to Merriam-Webster it is, 'the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviors to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else'. To be an effective communicator, it could be reasoned that one would have to master all areas of this definition to be truly effective.
One key difference I noted during the 18 months in the program was my differentiation during presentations. Moving around the room, walking closer to students, having a reward system for questions answered, using audio clips during a presentation, and staying calm and collected while speaking. Public speaking is enjoyable and people should be engaged and entertained while receiving a presentation.
To compliment my strength, a weakness would be keeping it short and using executive summaries. People have a very short window for attention and you must capture their attention and keep it, quickly. We learned quite a bit about the complex world of marketing yourself from Al Ries and Jack Trout's book, Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind. Picking top, key points and fully executing those would an area of improvement for myself.
A second takeaway would be awareness to body language. Communication isn't just defined by words. We learned in Critical Thinking that what you don't say can come across stronger than what actually comes out of your mouth. Body language can be powerful, especially if used incorrectly or mistakenly.
Third key takeaway was listening. Listening turns out to be a skill that is rarely taught, but is equally important in being an effective communicator. Do you think you're a good listener? Take my quiz to find out. Just click on the attachment below entitled Are You a Listener? If you find you're not a very good listener, be sure and email me for more information on how to better a skilled listener! Check out the Contact Me link at very top of this portfolio!
Business, listening, and becoming an effective communicator are all intertwined tightly. Here are some main highlights of the importance of listening & why it matters in the corporate world:
WHY Companies Should Care?
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