You want to get ahead in your career. How can you develop executive communication skills that set you apart?

Perhaps the very first step is understanding your own style and communication techniques. Then once you know what your audience needs, it is far easier to map a path to improvment if you know your starting point.

En mi experiencia, la práctica constante frente a una audiencia es invaluable. Cada presentación, cada discurso o incluso cada reunión, son oportunidades de oro para afinar nuestras habilidades de comunicación. He encontrado que, al enfrentar activamente estos escenarios, no solo mejoramos en nuestra capacidad de transmitir mensajes de manera efectiva, sino que también ganamos confianza y agudeza en nuestra comunicación.

Understand the purpose of your communication. Aside from needing to engage, you need to have a purpose otherwise it's just a chat. Do you want to inspire? Do you want to excite? Is it for sharing information. Once you are clear, then you can figure what to say and how you will do it.

Be prepared to communicate in a precise, logical and concise manner using data, concepts, metaphors and examples that can convey immediate images of what you intend to convey. Observe the signals that come from your interlocutors and leave room for questions for any misunderstandings. Short sentences without opening parentheses. Talk about what you think, what you observe and what you feel. USE messages that talk about you and your behaviors, not the behavior of others Learn to use and modulate your tone of voice to underline and give rhythm to your speech

Blend narratives with data to make your communication more compelling. Stories humanize information, making it relatable, while data provides credibility. This combination engages your audience on both emotional and analytical levels.

Active, present and conscious listening represents the solid basis for effective communication to understand others well and at the same time recognize one's own judgment mechanisms. Empathizing means being able to get in touch with what the other feels without losing the balance of one's position

In the ever-changing professional landscape, staying current with communication technology is vital. Embrace technological advancements to elevate presentations, enable seamless collaboration, and broaden your audience reach. As Charles Darwin wisely observed, survival in business relies on adaptability, not just strength or intelligence. Be open to feedback, learn from successes and failures, and proactively enhance your communication skills. Recognize that adaptability is the key to remaining relevant and thriving in a dynamic business environment.

We are familiar with the concept that communication is predominantly non-verbal. Not what we say.....but how we say it. Give plenty of consideration to the 'how'. People will notice if you are nervous or anxious, and it will detract from your message. Great communicators don't leave the non verbals to chance.

In my experience, constant practice in front of an audience is invaluable. Every presentation, speech, or even meeting, are golden opportunities to hone our communication skills. I have found that by actively facing these scenarios, we not only improve our ability to convey messages effectively, but also gain confidence and sharpness in our communication.

effective communication towards others begins by listening to oneself. from a clear understanding of oneself and the purpose of communicating. by first searching in your own mind for the clarity you want to have in communicating with others. Become aware of the states of your body and mind to be present to yourself while communicating.