To be understood or not?
To be understood or not. That is the communication, presentation question more people – especially leaders – need to ask themselves on a regular basis. The old adage “tell’em what you’re going to tell’em; tell’em; then tell’em what you told’em” doesn’t work anymore.
This is the conundrum faced by executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and public speakers – leaders and experts trained and drilled in top-down communication and presentation skills – leaders who miss the value of balanced two-way conversations – leaders who lack the goal to build trust and respect when communicating with others.
Increasingly, research is showing that a two-way conversation builds stronger organizations and teams. It builds more productive relationships with clients and prospects. And it helps build a stronger bottom line.
There are no “Yes but…,” “however…,” “No…,” in two-way conversations.
There is “Yes and…” which will get people connected and respected.
Given the opportunity to speak freely and share information with all levels, the best solutions to problems, recommendations to improve systems and innovative ideas often come from the least expected sources. They come from the “non-titled” people directly involved and working in those arenas and not from the decision-makers. These are the people on the front lines –receptionists, line workers, shipping clerks, customer service, sales, tech support.
People at any level in a situation are at their best when they are appreciated.
Each of us holds the keys to communicate well with others when face to face. A balanced two-way conversation creates mutual understanding that leads to trust and respect that leads to a successful organization, relationship and business.
Remember “Yes and…”
As a coach, trainer and consultant, Larry Blumsack partners with people and organizations on the move and those already there to accelerate their communication, presentation and speaking skills to be on par with their ambition. Through one-on-one coaching and group training Larry helps leaders and aspiring leaders elevate their presence and communication skills to influence more people, sell more products-services-ideas and inspire others more successfully than they ever imagined.
Larry is the bestselling author of Face-to-Face is The Ultimate Social Media and founder of Zoka Institute and Zoka Training®. Zoka Training® — Mind/Voice/Body/Mindfulness in sync — is the result of Larry’s 45 years as a coach, acting teacher, actor, voice-over artist, theater and TV director/producer, radio & TV commentator and show host, speaker, trainer, serial entrepreneur, and syndicated columnist. Larry was a founding member of the theater department at Northeastern University.
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