How to Become a Better Communicator

1. How to Become a Better Communicator Presented by SkillPath Seminars

2. The Secret to Establishing Rapport • Start by examining your own conduct • Build rapport • Improve your conduct

3. Becoming the All ELECTRIC communicator • Energy to pay attention and notice people • Listening skills • Enthusiasm for people’s answers and conversations • Confidence that people want to talk to you • Talking topics that draw people into the conversation • Reaching out abilities and a willingness to include everyone • Interest in observing your surroundings and asking questions based on what you see • Connections that are meaningful

4. Increase Trust at Work • Get to know your co-workers their interests and their backgrounds because this will lead to: • Group collaborations that run smoothly • People who support you and the effort you make at work • An overall pleasant work environment • Support your supervisor because this will: • Honor the chain of command • Help your supervisor reach his or her objectives • Show that you can be a team player

5. Being Open to a Mutual Exchange of Ideas • Let go of fear because it serves no purpose • Take a chance—say hello! • Think of what you want to learn from this interaction • Don’t be on the defensive • Smile—your million-dollar asset • Use mirroring

6. Reasons We Enter Into Conversation • Information • Contacts • Friendship • Convenience

7. Other Great Beginnings to Conversations • Simply observe • Invite expertise • Exchange information

8. Factors That Affect Communication • If you “communicate” in an abrupt and short manner, the person receiving that message will not be getting a positive image and that affects communication • People have set individual impressions of you—regardless of what you’re saying or how you’re saying it.

9. Four Focus Points for Clear Communication • Focus your message: • Get your listener’s attention • Get past the personal roadblocks: • Use active listening

10. It Really Does Matter Whether or NotPeople Like You • Admit you aren’t perfect. • Take time to understand the other person • Use diplomacy • Show respect for the other person’s opinions and feelings

11. Three Sure-fire Ways to Make Enemies • Always be right or make others look wrong • Tell people they shouldn’t feel the way they do • Ridicule and abuse people

12. The Gentle Method to Get Others to See Your Point of View • Ask questions the other person has to agree to, because then there is common ground you can work from • Begin a discussion by emphasizing the things you agree on • Get the other person saying “Yes” immediately—because then you’re on the same page and moving forward

13. 15 Vital Interpersonal Skills • Able to work with people • Possess social poise, self-assurance, confidence • Considerate of others • Tactful and diplomatic • Exhibit self-control • Able to analyze facts, understand and solve problems • Able to make decisions • Maintain high standards

14. 15 Vital Interpersonal Skills • Tolerant and patient • Honest and objective • Organize time and priorities • Delegate • Create enthusiasm • Persuasive • Have a high concern for communication

15. Six Components of PersonalCharisma • Demonstrating a high energy level • Paying attention to your appearance • Being able to take care of yourself • Being well spoken • Accepting compliments and admiration graciously • Smiling—you’ll look happy and peaceful

16. Never Be Put on the Spot Again! • Listen. • Pause to organize your thoughts • Repeat the question • Give one main idea • STOP! Don’t end on an excuse.

17. Listening Means You are Able to FOCUS • Focus on the person telling the story • Offer feedback and reflection • Clarify by asking questions as needed • Use expressions and gestures to reflect your feelings • Share a similar story or situation to deepen the conversation

18. Handling Put-downs Effectively • Allow the other person to slow down or to vent feelings (Listen) • Admit when you are wrong (I apologize for …) • Acknowledge the other person’s feelings (Obviously, you feel …) • Assert yourself about the way the other person is acting (I don’t like …) • Make a short statement to bring the encounter to an end (I can understand your point without that)

19. Keep Disagreements From Escalating into Arguments • Welcome the disagreement • Dismiss your first instinctive impression • Manage your temper • Listen • Look for areas of agreement

20. Keep Disagreements From Escalating into Arguments • Be honest • Promise to think over the other person’s ideas • Thank the person sincerely for his or her interest • Postpone action to give both sides time to think the problem through • When all else fails, agree to disagree

21. When You Become Angry • Freeze” your behavior • Analyze the emotion • Remove yourself if necessary

22. “Normal” Anger can be Traced to These Three Sources • Your personal goals do not match someone else’s • You don’t get the respect you think you deserve • Someone or something gets in the way of your having what you want

23. Making a Great First Impression • Appearance • Greeting • Smile • Be open and confident • Be courteous and attentive first, because how you listen is as important as what you say