It's no secret that solid communication skills are the winning card to what's next in digital media and in life. It's back to the future, isn't it?
If you've ever wondered what the "ABC" stands for in my signature, it means Accredited Business Communicator, a global accreditation offered by the International Association of Business Communicator, of which I have been a long time member, and now a Board Member at Large for the Philadelphia chapter.
I take communication seriously, in two languages.
Great communicators have always been much in demand -- we need people who can translate, synthesize, and carry meaning across. Because when the desire and ability to connect originate with crisp communication, you have signal -- and action.
Both are a vital component -- the defragmentation -- of an individual's and a brand's digital presence. They're the new pull or attraction to re-engage and energize people, communities, and relationships.
If you need more convincing, permission has crisp communication at its source, word of mouth marketing something worth talking about, leadership and communication go hand in hand, and businesses are more focused when core values become walking the talk.
Here are ten ways to become a better communicator:
(1.) listen and ask questions
(2.) set expectations on what you're going to say, and restate what you said in closing
(3.) know when it's time to listen and when to talk
(4.) state your intention, or what you mean to accomplish
(5.) communicate often with your team and acknowledge progress on projects
(6.) observe the communication style of others and adapt yours to connect with them
(7.) learn to tell stories
(8.) develop the analytical side of you
(9.) be consistent and transparent
(10.) get out of your office and talk to people outside meetings
Improving communication is like learning to use a new language effectively -- all of a sudden you're getting to St. Peter's Square because you were able to articulate what you actually wanted to do.
© 2010 Valeria Maltoni. All rights reserved.