Communication Hacks for 2015 and Beyond

Want to be heard? We all do. Want to make an impact? Of course.

But, here's the catch: Do you really possess the skills to ensure you can change minds and energize others? Here’s the plan — take the needed time to learn how to communicate. Really communicate. (We nearly always forget to include this as a development goal.)

Master the art of expressing an idea fully.

Know your audience.

Ensure that you receive the critical messages sent your way.

Here are 10 strategies to help put you on the right road:

• Get a reality check. How are your communication skills playing out in real life? There is only one way to find out — ask your peers — then see yourself in action. Public speaking is universally feared, but rarely conquered. Start with a short snippet (use your computer's camera and simply read the news), and work your way through to capturing an entire presentation. There may be a few ”cringe-worthy” moments at the start. (Trust me.) But, all in all, what you imagine is far worse than the reality.
• Curate your messages. Yes, yes, yes. Less is more. You are your own brand — and this extends to the content that you share with others. In our communication rich world, we are vying for attention. But, we communicate frequently — with little forethought concerning purpose and outcome. Have a plan. Develop a cohesive platform. Edit what you bring to the mix.
• Tell a great story. Great stories not only capture our hearts and attention — they help a great message endure. Weaving that tale is critical and there are tools to help you along. (Give RooJoom, Slideshare or Prezi a try.)
  
• Be creative. A message is a message. A message that’s communicated powerfully and succinctly, can start a movement. Don’t rule out the newest methods to communicate. You can't predict when a message and an modality jibe. Stock your arsenal full of the latest and greatest.
  
• Create a short (and powerful) presentation deck. Want your next big idea to see the light of day? Imagine that you are a start-up team in front of venture capitalists. Can you communicate the essence (and worth) of your next big idea/project in 20 slides or less? I challenge you. (See a few Ignite video here. Their motto: "Enlighten us. But make it quick." I love that.)
• Study. Communication skills don't emerge spontaneously, and this skill set requires focused practice. Firstly, what are your “communication” strengths and weaknesses? Devote time and energy to improve, by seeking out the training you need. By the way, you don’t have to wait for your organization to offer it. Check out some of the available options — including Harvard's Extension School here and here.
• Learn to handle difficult conversations. Let’s face facts, the topics we tend to avoid, often have the most potential to improve our work lives. Research shows that most of us fear conflict (debate, disagreements, etc.). So, learn how to address underlying tension, before it affects your valued outcomes. (See the Udemy on-line course here.)
• Study your own body. Sit in a lot of meetings? (I know that I do). Communicate frequently to your team? What does your body language communicate? Confidence? Boredom? Body language matters. (See Amy Cuddy's TED Talk below.)
• Match it. Take the time to match the message with the communication vehicle. Will your chosen method actually deliver your message effectively? Will an e-mail suffice or not? The options should be weighed with the intended message in mind.
• Meet face-to-face more often. The “mother lode” of communication tools is to meet in person. (Body language and facial expressions, are critical to a message.) It’s the simplest, most brilliant “hack” of all — and of course — don’t forget to listen strategically.

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Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is the Director of Thought Leadership at Kilberry Leadership Advisors, Toronto/NewYork. You can also find her on Twitter.