If you want to increase your worth by 50% percent, American business magnate Warren Buffet says honing your communication skills is the key! According to him, “if you can’t communicate, it’s like winking at a girl in the dark: Nothing happens. You can have all the brainpower in the world, but you’ve got to be able to transmit it.”
As a business owner, you are no stranger to the benefits of being a savvy communicator. Whether you’re trying to pitch your great ideas and compelling value propositions to investors, make a good impression on your clients, or relay tasks and instructions to your team, becoming a master communicator is crucial to your company's success.
In this blog, we will be discussing six excellent ways to improve your communication skills, so that you can become a more effective leader and take your business to greater heights. Ready to learn? Let’s dive in.
Understand non-verbal cues
Did you know that unspoken or nonverbal cues make up 55% of the audience’s perception of a speaker? Meaning, the majority of your message is received not through words, but through your body language. So, if you want to build credibility and truly connect with your listeners, it is crucial to be mindful of the way you listen, look, move, and react! The tone of your voice matters a lot, too.
You should also watch out for signs to determine what your audience thinks of your message—do they agree or disagree with it? What can you do if they don’t seem receptive to your ideas? Sometimes, we’re guilty of getting so excited about what we’re sharing that we fail to notice whether people are still following or if their minds have wandered somewhere else.
Listen carefully
It is crucial to pay close attention to what others are saying and make people feel heard. This helps you strengthen your relationships with colleagues and avoid misunderstandings. Focusing only on what you can bring to the table and not being receptive to the contributions of others can lead to missed opportunities. Moreover, active listening enables you to pick up on small cues and respond better to the needs of the people you are dealing with.
Be genuine, but don't overshare
People often create a fake persona to become more likable. But here’s the thing: people can often see through it and you just ruin your chances of connecting with your audience. People tend to listen more if they can relate to the speaker, so always be sincere and authentic, and don’t be afraid to show that you are human too! Strong emotions that can result in conflict, however, should be managed. You can share your honest thoughts, but be mindful of the limits of propriety in different contexts.
Keep it short and sweet
A goldfish is said to have an average attention span of nine seconds, but guess what? People usually lose their focus after eight seconds! With that said, avoid over-explaining or repeating what you have already said so your audience doesn’t get bored and stop listening. You can stay focused on your core message by outlining your main talking points beforehand.
Get to know your audience
People have different values, beliefs, and preferences. It helps to do research beforehand so that you use more inclusive language and avoid offending anyone. Putting effort into knowing your audience before you speak also shows consideration and respect for them. It is easier for you to relate to people’s feelings and build a better rapport with them when you understand where they’re coming from.
Practice, practice, practice!
Public speaking is an excellent way to harness your communication prowess. When you regularly speak in front of a group, you learn more about what it takes to capture people’s attention and become motivated to improve your skills. You can practice through open mics, workshops, or even role-playing games!
Conclusion
And there you have it! We have rounded up the secrets for effectively communicating with others. Whether you’re dealing with your customers, employees, or investors, we hope that you practice these techniques daily, so you can take your company to the next level.
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