I recently delivered a keynote AND a subsequent interactive workshop on communication for a company with a global workforce.
Here is outline and overview of what I shared and the questions I asked:
Being an effective communicator will elevate EVERY relationship in your life… personal and professional. It’s a high utility skill that directly affects everything you do!
Q: What is your definition of effective communication?
A: The intended and accurate transference/exchange of information/ideas and emotions/sentiments.
Do you know the definition of a ‘good pass’ in basketball?
A good pass is one that is caught.
Same with communication. It’s only ‘good communication’ if you effectively convey your intended idea/information (meaning it must be received)!
Q: What traits make an exceptional communicator?
A: Present, good listener, open-minded, clear, concise, aware, curious, and articulate.
How do you rate yourself on each of those?
If you expect it of others you must expect it of yourself!
Q: What are the primary types of communication you use?
A: Spoken in person, non-verbal in person, spoken on video, non-verbal on video, spoken on audio call, and written in emails and texts.
What are the nuanced differences between these? Which are your strongest?
Q: What are the biggest roadblocks to effective communication?
A: Making assumptions & judgments, thinking everyone communicates like you, too much talking (not enough listening), and language/culture differences.
Rapid Fire Thoughts:
- “Connect first, coach second”
- “Telling ain’t selling”
- Confrontation is a healthy necessity
- A compliment unshared is selfish
- “I’ve told you 100 times…”
- “If the audience doesn’t laugh…”
Tips for Sender:
- Speak their ‘language’
- Their preferences > yours
- Direct vs sugar coated
- Private vs public
- Be clear and concise
- Use stories (to sway emotion)
Tips for Receiver:
- Be present
- Listen with your eyes
- List back what they said
- Don’t interrupt
Big 3 Audit:
- Ask your direct report to write down their three biggest responsibilities or duties (or the three ways they feel they can make a maximum contribution)
- You write down THEIR three biggest responsibilities or duties (or the three ways you feel they can make a maximum contribution)
- Compare answers and have an open discussion about the discrepancies
I recommend these 5 books for anyone looking to level up their communication:
- The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
- Exactly What to Say by Phil M Jones
- The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
- Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
- Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler
