Becoming an effective communicator*
About the Author
Neil Flett CEO
As founder of Rogen International and now a director of RogenSi, Neil is one of Australia’s most experienced communication advisers, with 38 years’ experience in journalism, public affairs, training and consulting. He has worked with leading politicians, chief executives, board members and senior managers of large organisations in industries such as professional services, media, consumer goods, IT, chemicals, petroleum, manufacturing and retail. In 1993 Neil wrote many of the speeches and coached all the presenters for the successful Sydney 2000 Olympics Games bid presentation in Monte Carlo. He subsequently became a communication adviser to the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.
By
Neil Flett CEO
Why is it that some people seem to go through life without being noticed, while others seem to lead naturally? The difference is at least partly because leaders are effective communicators?
Effective communication behaviours can be learned, not only the delivery skills such as eye contact, voice modulation, movement, gestures, pausing, facial expressions and energy levels, but also the skills of preparation that lead to your communication being more effective.
Here are some key steps to becoming a better communicator. They are proven and taught by the world’s best-known consultancy for exceptional performance, rogenSi. rogenSi is a global consultancy that helps business leaders and their teams deal with three of the toughest areas of business: leading, inspiring change and growing sales. Each year it coaches more than 20,000 business executives in more than 20 countries.
Step 1 – The only thing that matters is what the listener hears.
It really doesn’t matter what you say or how you say it, if the listener hears something different. All communication starts with understanding the needs and wants of the listener. The most fundamental step in preparation for any presentation, public speaking engagement or even a one-on-one conversation is thinking about the audience. It can take the most time - but it carries with it the highest rewards.
The higher the stakes of the communication, the more research we do into the listeners. Useful questions to consider or research are:
- Who are they?
- What is their interest in this topic?
- How do they feel about me and this subject?
- How much prior knowledge do they have?
- What questions will they want answered?
- What are the likely issues they bring up??
So before you decide to communicate, know who will be listening and how it might affect them. You don’t want to bore them, talk over their heads or waste their time. And you want make sure that they become engaged and if possible enjoy the experience.
And remember, the best communicators are great listeners so try to make every communication two-way and seek to really understand your listeners.
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