Communication is one of the most overlooked and underrated skills in business. It’s often seen as a soft skill – something that’s useful, but not essential.
I disagree.
The business owner who is unable to communicate her vision, is likely to struggle just as much as the business owner who has no vision. That’s why as business owners, we need to continuously improve our communication skills.
A few tips for better communication
When seeking to share an idea, whether spoken or written, you may find the following tips useful. (Please add your own):
- Research your audience.
- Think of the core points you want to make, in order.
- Stay on track.
- Use as few words as required. Brevity is priceless. Too many words can dilute the power or impact of your message.
- Avoid buzz words. Use plain speaking whenever possible.
- Understand that volume is seldom the problem. A bad message amplified, is still a bad message.
- When people respond, listen, really listen, to their feedback. Look for common misunderstandings and adjust your message to avoid them recurring.
Over to you
What would you add to this list?
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That’s a good lost already but I’d add this.
If you’re giving a talk don’t use bullet points for your slides. They are dull and force everyone to take the same notes as people seem to write them down.
Good point, Danny.
When I gave presentations I preferred to use photos, rather than bullet points.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I’d go even further and say try to ‘lose’ power point altogether! I never use it when speaking now as your audience will be watching the screen and not you and you lose that vital sense of communication and connection with them. But I’ll accept that photos could work…
Cheers Jim!
Jane
Thanks for the tip, Jane. You make an excellent point!
I’d add this tip for written communication. Practice, by writing as often as you can.
What do you think, Jim?
Absolutely, Jon. One of the biggest benefits of blogging regularly, is that it helps you become a better communicator.
Great list, Jim. I know we all agree that communication goes far beyond giving presentations.
I communicate every day with customers and potential customers….by phone! I find that smiling as I communicate with them carries an extra ounce of friendliness in my words. And I’m convinced friendliness breeds trust and believability.
Hi David. I remember when I started out in sales and marketing, in the mid 1980′s, being told to smile and dial.
The phone can be an effective communication tool, for those committed to learning how to communicate verbally, with no visual feedback. Thanks for the comment.
Cant help but agree with people take on PP presentations. People switch off very quickly – action and remembering is in ‘doing’. I like to ‘walk’ people through problems in steps – this way I find they remember it more and get a more valued education.
Regards,
John
Hi John. You make a good point. Someone once told me he’d attended a seminar where the speaker put lots and lots of notes on power point. He said the speaker may as well have emailed the slides to the delegates and everyone could have saved a day’s travelling.
You’re right – there needs to be that human connection; especially if you want people to retain what you have shared. Thanks for the feedback.
My 3 points are:
Here’s what I got…
Here’s what it will do for you…
Here’s what to do next…
Hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing those suggestions, Trapper. A nice framework, there.
Nice tips Jim communication does improves marketing or any business. Thankyou for sharing it.
Thanks for the kind wards, Rajkumar and welcome to the blog.
Research your content. Document your main ides to make them trustworthy.
Be opened and relaxed. Nobody likes a grumpy interlocutor.
Try, as you can, to be funny. Include a few jokes in your presentation.
Leave the door opened for interventions. I personally hate arrogant speakers/writers.
Some great suggestions there, Alexandra. I especially agree with you about arrogance. It’s a bad idea in any area of business, but especially so when trying to communicate. Thanks for the feedback.
great points. I was actually going to deliver a seminar and these points will be helpful.
I wanted to add one point, that making our audience interactive with us will make a nice environment.
Hi Karan. I agree, it makes a huge difference if you get the audience involved with what you are saying, through participation. Thanks for the feedback, sir.
I really resonate with your point about listening to your audience Jim. This helps to find out precisely what your customer is looking for.
I love how Jim does that too, Neil.
Well said.
Thanks guys!