Communicate with Confidence

“Companies with effective communicators had 47% higher total returns to shareholders over the last 5 years than the firms considered to have the least effective communicators.”

All successful professionals either realize that communication skills can increase their ability to lead more effectively or understand that poor communication habits are limiting their influence and results.”

Failure to communicate is the frustration of the modern management. Over time, all relationships depend on the sum total of your interactions, stacked end to end. Personally or professionally, communication becomes a life-or-death issue.” - “The attitude behind the talk turns the tables.”

Believe body language over words. Unless someone is a superb actor, his body language will display the truth of the matter.”

Aristotle’s three prongs of persuasion are these: To reason logically, to understand human character and goodness in their various forms, and to understand the emotions—that is, to describe them, to know their causes, and the way in which they are excited. Most people shun the label of an emotional decision maker. But in reality, you need all three prongs if you are to persuade people.”

If you have moved people emotionally with an appeal (a story about an unjust situation, a great need, or a wonderful opportunity), don’t waste passion stirred in them. Persuade them to do something specific. They need an emotional release or a sense of closure if they have to come to a logical conclusion. Give them something specific to do, decide, buy, or create.”

When having difficulty getting people to accept your point, take time to investigate their points. Your willingness to investigate and listen goes a long way in demonstrating your integrity and intelligence.”

“Good listening requires conscious effort and a willing mind. It’s a decision to take an action, not just waiting for your turn to talk. Listening involves actively processing what the other person says to you: asking questions, giving feedback, verifying understanding, analyzing, and drawing conclusions about what you’ve heard.”

Listening keeps you up to date and out of trouble. It increases your impact when you speak. It gives you a negotiating edge, power, and influence. It makes other people love you—whether in a professional or personal context.”

“When you call a meeting, make it significant and be prepared. The higher you go in your organization, the more expectations others have for your abilities to conduct yourself in a meeting—either as a participant or as a leader. Take things seriously.”

- “Asking doesn’t guarantee listening. Listening doesn’t guarantee use. But people will watch for a pattern when you ask for their opinions. Follow through by listening and evaluating what you hear. Just going through the motions of gathering opinions and ideas creates hostility.”