Learn 5 Strategies to Communicate Like a Pro
Author: Donna Arnett, M.S.C., CCC

© Copyright, 2003 Donna Arnett. Permission granted to reproduce this article, providing you use the article in its entirety, including the author’s information, all links and references within.

The power of successful communication is unlimited.
In today's business world, what you say, how you say it and how others hear it can make or break your career. Words alone are cheap. Being a great communicator in today's business environment takes knowing how to get your point across quickly, effectively, and with impact.

Communicating with success encompasses a wide array of skills and strategies. Power comes from clear concise communication that inspires and motivates others. The art of communication involves not only the words you say; it involves the sound of your voice, body language, eye communication and passion. Getting really good at this set of skills can be your fastest way to the top.

Communicating with power...
Let's take Bill Gates of Microsoft. Microsoft has faced many tough business & legal challenges recently. The economic environment has been relatively dismal as substantiated by Alan Greenspan. Yet, Bill Gates has been able to keep his company profitable.

How has Bill done this?
Among others talents, Bill is considered to be an excellent communicator within his company, in the public spotlight and in front of the legal and political community. Communication is the most powerful way to lead people through tough times, to face challenges and changes as well as to build respect for yourself and your company. Do you think Bill broke from the gate with these well-honed communication skills? Probably not.

The Myth of "the natural communicator"...
Yes, some people may appear to be "natural communicators". These people are often seen as naturally having the ability to


mesmerize their listeners

communicate their ideas easily and effectively

persuade others to accept their points of view

reveal no fear of public speaking

speak confidently in a pleasant, commanding voice

eagerly speak at every opportunity

etc.

Behind every great speaker and communicator, there is a professional who knows the value of communication excellence and has worked to achieve it. Speaking and communicating is a skill like any other. Like any skill, it can be learned, and always enhanced, built upon and tweaked. Good communicators are rarely satisfied with their status quo. They continue to strive to improve their speaking and communication successes.

Analogy...
If you participate in a sport, enjoy it and take it seriously, you likely have similarities with other players. Let’s take the sports of tennis or golf. If you think of yourself as a serious tennis player or golfer, you will likely analyze your game regularly, identify areas ripe for improvement and practice to increase your skills. You will do this because it is important to you and you want to "be at the top of your game". If you are not a serious player, you will likely hit some balls around, see where they land and shrug you shoulders.

Start Today - Mastering the Art of Communication
5 Powerful Tips for Communicating Success...

1. Focus your business critical message on what your listeners need to hear not what you want to tell them. This is critical for managers, sales professionals, team leaders, CEO's and Leaders. There is an important, yet subtle difference between “here’s my agenda...” and "this is all about you...". If you want to get your listener’s attention and move them to action, you must tell them what’s in it for them.

2. Get the Stress out of your Voice. Powerful communicators have learned to present their ideas in a cool, calm, concise manner that conveys personal control and builds confidence in their listeners. Analyze your speaking style when you are under stress. Here are a few common vocal & body language changes that will undermine your effectiveness...

Talking too fast

Vocal pitch level goes up (This can be problematic for women.)

Body movements become too rapid

Typically good eye communication can become rapid and ineffective

Poor word choice may prevail

Don’t let your stress show through in your voice or body language. Listeners always trust what they see and hear in your voice and body language before they believe your words.

3. Create energy and enthusiasm in the minds of your listeners with your voice. Variety is the spice of a great communicator. Use your voice to communicate meaning by varying your pitch, melody, tempo, phrasing, and tone of voice. Use your voice to capture your listener's attention and highlight your important points. Flat, boring voices are like a sleeping pill for your listeners.

4. Be direct, sincere and honest in all of your business communication. People will respect you and develop trust and confidence in you professionally. Many communicators face the pitfall of "using too many pillows". “Pillows” are the ways you “beat around the bush”. Using hedge words such as “kind of, sort of, just a little” dilute your message and your effectiveness as a communicator. The phenomenon of “too many pillows” typically occurs when you are communicating a difficult message i.e. confronting an employee, delegating tasks, providing constructive criticism.

Don't let your listener walk away without understanding your point of view. Misunderstandings begin here. Use direct language and be aware of your tone of voice and body language. Your tone of voice and body language must support your words. People most assuredly will believe your tone and body language. When you are uncertain if you have communicated your point well, ask for confirmation from your listener. It’s better to clear up any misunderstanding up front.

5. Feedback is your friend. In order to improve your communication power you must first understand your communication style and delivery. Use a tape recorder, ask a friend for feedback, seek out professional self-help materials and tapes, and work with a coach.

Communication is powerful. Doing it well will pay you back hundreds of times over the years to come. It's a journey...Enjoy it.






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About the Author…
Donna Arnett, M.S.C., CCC is a communication specialist, corporate trainer, and executive coach helping her clients achieve winning communication in their professional and personal lives. Donna is the President and Owner of The Speaker’s Connection, a professional development company. Donna holds a Master’s Degree in Speech Communication and has earned a Certificate of Clinical Competence, is licensed by the Professional Board of Florida and the Institute of Language and Phonology for dialectal training. Donna is a certified Teleclass Leader in her field.

Donna has developed specialized audio-tape programs to help business professionals reach their goals in the areas of:


Public Speaking Excellence
Speaking Voice Confidence
Learning English Accent for Foreign Born Professionals
Customer Service Strength
Breath Support for a Powerful Voice

Take this opportunity to learn from Donna’s success in guiding Business Professionals in the Art of Communicating Success. Learn more about The Speaker’s Connection Training Company by visiting the website at www.powerofspeaking.com


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