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I am a big fan of themes! If you have been reading my articles for a while now, you would have noticed that I like to use acronyms, abbreviations and cute ways to remember things. This is due to my need and dare I say ability to take detailed information from various sources and condense it into an easy way to remember it, so that I can use it when I need it. Today we are travelling the 7Cs of effective communication in business.
Controlled - Control yourself, your body language, pace, tone, etc., and control the audience or listener. Control the topic and avoid big digressions, control your emotions, control the venue if possible so as to be in a comfortable area and room.
Conversational - do not lecture, do not whine, and do not get angry or over-emotional. Have a conversation. No matter what the other person or people do, in a meeting, negotiation, when a customer is complaining, etc. keep control and keep it conversational. This means back and forth, active listening, and not getting over-emotional for no good reason. Do not get sucked into an argument that will harm your image later.
Confident - people are less likely to challenge you and more likely to follow you if you present yourself with confidence. Your voice should be loud enough and at a controlled pace, your body language should be strong (not stiff) with a straight back, meaningful gestures, great eye contact, etc. And the content of your speech or presentation or point to be made should also come from a confident place, i.e. you know what you are talking about! Do not think that BS will work all the time with everyone. When you have researched and prepared well, you feel confident, and you can let that shine through!
Competent - you have to back it up. Whatever you are saying or selling, be not only prepared but able to back it up. You must be good at what you are suggesting others follow you on as well, if you are asking for a leadership role. Why should I listen to you? Answer that question before you meet the group.
Calm - If you are calm, they are more likely to both calm down others (if agitated) and to continue to communicate calmly. Control your breathing, pace, volume, etc. in a relaxed way. Use rhythmic gestures as well. Nothing fast and darting. Think Yoga movements!
Clear - Do not beat around the bush. State exactly what you want people to do, or why they should follow you. Don't let people guess your meaning. State clearly your objectives or desires, and people will respect you for your leadership and ideas. Please still include the 3Ps (Polite, Professional, Positive) when you deliver your message though.
Concise - Do not waste valuable time. Say what you have to say and ask what you need from your listener or team, and then let them go. When giving suggestions or advice or orders, give them with appropriate details delivered in a short, concise way.
Okay, I hope that you have learned how to use the 7Cs and can start implementing them today in your personal and professional communications. Any questions? Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Thank you.
Ric Phillips is the president, head coach & trainer of 3V Communications Ltd., a Toronto-based communications skills consultancy. Their mission is to help you and your staff get to the next level of effective interpersonal, professional and ESL-related communication skills and strategies, using the 3V system of targeting verbal, vocal and visual communications during coaching & training. For more information please visit the homepage http://www.3vcommunications.ca/.
Thank you!