Be Gentle, But Firm: Breakthrough Communicators' Tip #18
Before entering the room, my graduate advisor looked at me and said, "Remember, you're the expert."
In the moment I definitely didn't feel like the expert. But in reality, no one in that room put in the time, energy, and effort on that particular production, and the research which informed my approach to it.
Breakthrough Communicators are experts. About themselves, their ideas, their work, their product and service offerings, and their wants, needs, and desires.
If I could go back in time and handle that room of faculty members differently, I would utilize this Breakthrough Communicator technique.
Earn Their Trust Every Time: Breakthrough Communicators' Tip # 10
Breakthrough Communicators have needs too. We have our own dreams and desires and we need a healthy community to help us achieve those goals.
And there is an invaluable trust-building step in effective communication which ensures a stable bridge between the needs of our other and the needs of ourselves.
Show acceptance.
We have to show acceptance for who our other is right now, in the present.
Resist diving into everything they're doing wrong in their lives, businesses, careers, etc. All the ways they're limiting their own potential and success.
It sounds obvious.
But I see it happen all the time.
Breakthrough Communicators: How to turn small talk into big talk
I really enjoy small talk. It is a safe way to practice and develop certain communication skills.
However, we will never fully succeed as Breakthrough Communicators if "small talk" never matures into "big talk".
The difference between "small talk" and "big talk"?
Intention and expectation.
It is human nature to want things from other's. To have needs, desires, goals, and dreams. A big part of building healthy, secure relationships and loving communities is setting goals and relying on others to help us achieve them.
So I want you to start adding "intention" and "expectation" to your daily conversations.