Breakthrough Communicators: How to be a Breakthrough Communicator
So many of us side-step the opportunity to really hone in on our communication skills--to be influential connectors capable of building strong, lasting personal and professional relationships.
Why?
When I first moved to Denver I drove for Uber as a way to make additional income. I met all sorts of unique individuals. One person, in particular, stands out--a passenger who upon discovering I was a Public Speaking Coach said, "I feel like public speaking is something you're born with. You either have it or you don't."
You either have it or you don't...
Hmmm...
We Need a Communication Revolution
Empathy, information, thoughtfulness, and active-listening are absolutely necessary skills before launching into our own opinion. And if this common saying was, "Practice empathy, information-gathering, thoughtfulness, and active-listening before launching into your own opinion," I would be talking about something else right now.
But that's not what this quote says. This statement implies we have two choices: remain silent, and because we never share any ideas, be perceived as stupid...
Or share our ideas which are stupid.
Do You Have Ten Minutes to Try Something New?
Progress, not perfection, should be the goal of any innovative business leader. The mistakes that come from putting ourselves out there and trying something new ultimately lead to advancement and success.
So here's my challenge to you:
It’s no secret I would dearly love everyone in my circle to use video as a sharing device for their thoughts and ideas. And we make all sorts of excuses not to. Time, resources, money--although I guarantee in the time it takes you to write a 300-word blog, you could create an awesome video using the camera on your phone and you would still have content for your awesome blog.
Persuading Crowds Part 4: A Crowd of Many
Being Present: Looks different because with a crowd of one you want your audience to dominate the conversation. Talk less, listen more. With a crowd of many, this really isn't feasible unless you have two hours of material and eight hours of time. Conversation slows the tempo and pacing of a presentation which is why it is so important, when developing a speaking event, to plan out the timing of audience participation.
Persuading Crowds Part 3: A Crowd of One
Be Present: Dale Carnegie was a master at this. If you haven't read it, 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' absolutely has to be the next book on your reading list.
If you want to persuade you have to be interested and engaged in the other person. Talk less, listen more, ask questions, basically shut up and get out of your own way.
To use a great theatre term, 'live in the moment' with your other. There cannot be anything more important than the conversation you have in the moment. Your other is the most interesting human being in the world. That's the role you play in 1-2-1 crowd persuasion.