The best leaders are often great communicators who use this skill to build relationships and trust, to motivate and inspire.
They know how to structure a message to have the impact they intend. It’s a skill that can be learnt and key is knowing what to emphasise and how to make a message clearer.
Add Emphasis
Communication is more powerful if the right things are emphasised and each situation is different.When you want to inspire and motivate emphasise feelings and ideas.When you want to negotiate or review emphasise facts and information.
Add Clarity
It’s also crucial to make the message as clear as possible and there are various things that help.
Numbers
Add clarity and make it less likely to be misunderstood.
Affirmatives
Put in mind positive action not negative statements.
Emotions
In a conflict minimise the negative emotions to avoid things getting worse.
Assertiveness
Be assertive but not aggressive nor passive. You don’t want a fight, or to be ignored.
Look forward
Don’t argue over the past, it’s better to focus on the future and what is still possible.
Body language
Is as important as what you say. Control this and make sure it matches your message.
Timing
Time and place can be just as important as the right message.
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