Communicate better with the
5Cs
Use them to build
strong business relationships and achieve greater
success
SUCCESSFUL professionals are leaders
who have mastered the art of effective communication. They are
well-liked by colleagues ― subordinates or superiors ― and your
company’s clients love them too.
You may think these
individuals are blessed with a natural talent for speaking well ―
and maybe they are. But everything can be learned, including how to
speak like a star.
Apply the five Cs of
effective communication to enhance your relationships and get on
the road to greater professional success.
1 Speak
slowly
If your listeners cannot understand
what you are saying, your message will never be effective. The
easiest way to instantly improve the clarity of your speech is to
slow down.
When you get nervous or
stressed, your rate of speaking often increases. And these are the
times when calm eloquence and tact are most needed. Take a deep
breath, slow down and speak clearly.
It is also important to
formulate your thoughts in a clear manner so that other people can
understand your message. Stick to your main point, be as concise as
possible and back up your arguments with examples and stories that
make sense to your listener.
2 Speak
well
Whether you like it or not, you will
be judged on how you speak. Individuals with poor grammar and
sloppy speech patterns are often viewed as being lazy, uneducated
and even disrespectful.
Make proper speech a
priority. Polish your grammatical skills and build a healthy
vocabulary. Read as much as you can, and ask your friends, family
or colleagues for help or join a grammar refresher course.
As our world becomes
more global, just speaking English isn’t enough. You need to speak
it really well.
3 Be
considerate
Even before you open your mouth,
focus on being considerate towards everyone you meet. Make eye
contact with people when they approach you. Have a good attitude
and a winning smile.
Show that you care for
others by asking questions and showing interest. Remember personal
details that are important to them, and build a relationship that
consists of more than just the work at hand.
Small talk is imperative
for building rapport and stronger relationships in the
workplace.
If you are considerate
towards others, they will also treat you with care and respect.
4 Give
compliments
In addition to being considerate,
another way to build instant rapport is to give sincere
compliments. Recognise those around you for a job well done. Show
interest by congratulating others on their accomplishments.
If your colleague
mentions that he finally finished that big project that you know he
was slaving over for months, respond with a sincere “Great job!” or
“Good for you!” Such remarks are always appreciated.
Keep in mind that
compliments should be subtle and appropriate and the closeness of
your relationship also determines how a compliment will be
received.
Commenting on a
colleague’s physical appearance, for example, may not be acceptable
in the modern workplace, unless you are also very close friends
outside of the office.
5 Have
confidence
A successful communicator is a
confident communicator. It is hard to take someone who doesn’t seem
to believe in his own words seriously.
Confidence does not just
come from what you are saying, but also what you are vocalising ―
that is, the pace, pitch and volume of your voice.
A calm, steady voice
always sounds stronger and more confident than a mousy squeak.
Your visual appearance
can also exude confidence. Make sure you stand straight and make
firm eye contact when you address other people.
Even the least confident
individuals can “fake” a confident image simply by forcing
themselves to do these two simple things.
Article by Heather
Hansen, a professional speech and language trainer, public speaker
and voice-over artist. She runs regular workshops on speaking and
interpersonal skills with ST Training Solutions. She will speak at
the Asian Summit for Secretaries and Admin Professionals, held from
April 23 to 25. Website:
www.shirleytaylortraining.com/ASSAP
E-mail:
[email protected] Tel: 6838-1069
Learn more about
communicating effectively at the half-day seminar “Communication:
Your key to success!” on Feb 29, organised by
ST701.