Communicate with Confidence: Powerful Tools for Effective Communication
Institute of Positive Leadership
We help individuals and teams build mental, emotional, and social agility to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.
Welcome to our monthly installment of Leads Well.?
Did you know we spend a staggering 50% to 80% of our workday communicating? Yet most of us never receive formal training on how to do it effectively. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, frustration and strained relationships. It can also negatively impact our confidence.?
This month's newsletter brings together a powerful toolkit of resources to help managers and executives become more effective communicators.
Communicating with Impact
Strong communication skills are essential for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and even navigating difficult conversations. The good news? There are tools and strategies you can learn to make your communication more impactful.?
The Secrets to Effective Communication??
Focus on the Other Person
Communication expert Jay Sullivan, author of Simply Said: Communicate Better at Work and Beyond, says the key to better communication is to focus less on ourselves and more on the other person. He believes this is the single most significant differentiator we can apply to our communication to improve our effectiveness. By tailoring your message to resonate with others, you can help to increase understanding, and reduce anxiety.?
Have a Goal?
Matt Abrahams, author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot believes preparation and practice are critical for effective communication. Before engaging in a conversation, whether it's one-on-one or with a larger audience, Matt suggests having a clear goal. Use the "Know, Feel, Do" framework:?
Build a Structure?
Then, use a framework like “What, Now What, So What” or “Problem, Solution, Benefit” to organize your talking points. This will make it easier for you to structure your conversation and remember your talking points. You can also use these frameworks to help guide you through spontaneous communications.?
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations can be stressful. Our anxiety can spike, and we can cling to our perspective as if it’s the only truth. True understanding, however, comes from listening and hearing others’ perspectives.?
It's easy to fall into judgments when someone disagrees with us, but focusing solely on our own unmet needs can escalate the situation.
Empathy is crucial for de-escalating tension.?
Marshall B. Rosenberg's book Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships, offers a powerful framework:
Nonviolent communication isn't about forcing change. It's about fostering genuine connection through deep listening and empathy. The goal is to build honest, empathetic relationships where everyone's needs can be met.?
We highly recommend adding this book to your reading list and encourage you to practice the framework in your conversations.
Navigating Difficult News
Knowing the right words to say can make a big difference when someone shares bad news, and how we respond can make or break our relationships. Here are some tips for responding in a supportive and compassionate way, regardless of the situation's severity.
Presenting to an Audience
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Managing Performance Anxiety
Have you ever practiced a presentation only to stumble when it mattered most? Or fumbled answering a question you knew the answer to at a critical moment? That sinking feeling is a common experience. We've all been there - despite our preparation, skills, and experience, high-stakes situations can trigger our fight-or-flight response, impairing our ability to think and speak clearly. When preparing for your next high stakes communication, consider these tips from HBR.?
Get Excited!
Did you know that our bodies struggle to tell the difference between anxiety and excitement as they are both considered “arousal congruent”. Research by Alison Wood Brooks found that compared with those who attempt to calm down, individuals who reappraise their anxious arousal as excitement feel more excited and perform better. We can adopt this mindset by simply saying “I am excited” out loud. Try it the next time you’re feeling nervous ahead of public speaking. Read more here.?
What we’re reading:?
Events Coming Up
Elevate your leadership impact and stay-ahead of the curve in today's fast-changing work environment with our expert-led training on essential leadership skills. Our tailored programs cater to managers, senior leaders, and individual contributors. These 90-minute virtual learning experiences equip participants with actionable science-based tools and strategies that can be implemented right away. Participants also gain access to exclusive resources and activity worksheets to solidify their learning experience.
June 18, 2024 at 10am PST
Over 70% of people report experiencing imposter syndrome at some point in their careers. When left unchecked, imposter feelings can hold us back, negatively impacting our confidence and ability to reach our full potential. Constantly feeling like a fraud and downplaying our achievements can lead to a cycle of self-sabotage, perfectionism, and overworking.?
Join us in this 90-minute workshop where you’ll learn strategies and tools to manage your inner critic and boost your confidence. Reserve your spot here.?
July 18, 2024 at 10am PST
Are you feeling overwhelmed? You're not alone! While some stress can be motivating, chronic stress can lead to burnout and negatively impact your health and happiness. Did you know 76% of employees experience workplace burnout at least sometimes?
This interactive workshop will equip you with the tools to navigate stress effectively. You will:
By focusing on what you can control, you can build resilience and increase your well-being. Don't wait until burnout hits. Take charge of your stress and create a more fulfilling life. Reserve your spot here.?
August 20, 2024 at 10am PST
Are you looking to enhance your communication skills and become a more influential leader? Join us for this online workshop where you will learn practical strategies to influence others effectively and create a greater impact in your personal and professional life.
We’ll share valuable insights and tips on building rapport, persuasive communication, and charisma that will help you influence change and make a difference.
Transform your influence and maximize your impact! Reserve your spot here.?
About IPL
We help leaders elevate performance and well-being. To bring our science-based programs to your team or organization, reach out to us at [email protected].