Consider some of the great communicators — Martin Luther King, Meg Whitman, Ronald Reagan, Suze Orman…those who inspire, influence and persuade. What do they have in common? They all possess at least one unique communication asset. Steven Jobs, for example, was known for believing passionately in what he talked about. He was out to change the world through new Apple products, and audiences were intoxicated by his messages. How about you? Do you possess any intoxicating communication assets?
- Believing in what you talk about.
- Keeping your message simple.
- Using stories to capture the attention and imagination of others.
- Practicing and planning what you want to get across.
- Exuding executive presence and confidence.
- Relating to and involving the audience.
- Staying fresh and current with information.
- Seeking feedback and listening.
Great leaders value and understand the strategic communication choices they make in everyday interactions. The best communicators:
- Continually work to improve their skills. They realize communication is an “ART” that requires practice.
- Recognize the impact of their “in the moment” communication choices. Whether in presentations, meetings, or informal interactions, the best communicators adapt to the needs of the situation.
- Consider the unique needs of different listeners. They understand listeners have more power and control than speakers. It is the listener who decides when, how and to whom they’ll listen.
Consider your own communication assets. You are often placed in situations with diverse audiences and stakeholders. Most leaders communicate with others in the way they want others to communicate with them, rather than adapting to the needs of their listeners.In working with leaders to help develop their communication assets, we use the Listener Preference Profile. The results and interpretations help leaders assess their own and others’ listening preferences: People, Action, Content or Time. With knowledge about listener differences, leaders effectively adapt their messages and delivery in ways that captivate listener preferences in the moment. We encourage you to learn more about your own and others’ listening preferences. Innolect’s offers both an online version of the Listener Preference Profile (LPP) as well as a paper version and facilitator guide.
To learn more and to maximize your communication assets, contact Kittie Watson.