Communicating with Impact
Posted on: October 4, 2011
Sometimes we don’t all have time to read a lot of materials, so here’s Kuhnke Communication’s cheat-sheet on how to communicate with impact.
When You Speak
Make your language vivid and descriptive
Be clear, complete and precise.
Repeat your points for emphasis, confirmation and clarification. Be creative in your phrasing.
Confirm that your listener understands.
When You Listen
Give your complete attention
Listen with an open mind. Refrain from judging what is being said and shutting down.
Listen for and reflect on both the words and the feelings behind the spoken words.
Ask opened questions: who, what, where, when, and how. Avoid asking why. It will lead to a vague, unspecific response and may sound condemning.
Pause to process what you have heard before responding.
Avoid responding with but, yet and however. If you disagree, do so diplomatically.
Let the speaker you know you respect them and value their thoughts and opinions – especially when they differ from yours.
Confirm meaning. Clarify important points.
Nonverbal Communication
Use positive body language
- When speaking: well supported posture; look at your listener and use comfortable eye contact; varied volume, rhythm, pitch and pace; expressive facial and hand gestures.
- When listening: alert body; face the speaker; comfortable eye contact; receptive gestures.
- Be Aware of Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication
For more information visit www.kuhnkecommunication.com
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