So, what now? It is unlikely that we will go back to pre-pandemic client drop-in meetings and large professional gatherings to present our organisation and speak to the key client influencers about our solutions. Internally, we may be relying more on electronic means of communications over face to face meetings to interact and engage our partners, colleagues, and employees. Unsettling changes in the way we conduct business. What has not changed is that the key skills of professionals who made a difference before worldwide restrictions were imposed still apply in the virtual world and in any type of hybrid live/virtual communication strategy. So, what makes them breakaway from the pack?
Certaines règles pourtant ne changeront pas. Les habiletés de communication des professionnels qui s’élevaient au-dessus des rangs avant que les restrictions sanitaires soient imposées s’appliquent encore au monde virtuel et aux diverses stratégies de communications virtuelles ou en personne. Quelles sont donc ces habiletés qui leur permettent de se détacher du peloton?
- They speak clearly to be understood in a variety of speaking situations and build trust. Professionals who speak clearly use a proven logical structure, use less words, pace themselves when they speak to inspire confidence. Speaking more quickly and using more words does not make us appear smarter. Just unprepared, more hurried, and unsure. TIP: Try teaching a complex procedure to someone on your team; practice using less words that you would normally use and speaking more slowly. See if you can trim the number of words down from your first trial.
- They engage and move listeners to act on a common goal or on their recommendations. Call it selling or convincing, it is about having your listeners catch the ball and run with it. It is not about a list of features of your product or solution: High performers present only the information and evidence that will meet their needs. Accept the temporary pain of dead silence and let your listeners think and respond. TIP: Train yourself to be systematic (sequential and logical) in the way you present evidence supporting your ideas or proposals.
- They defend their position and convince their listeners effectively. Skilled presenters expect opposition and keep their emotions in check. They put themselves in the position of their listeners and demonstrate empathy. Wouldn’t you take pause and find the shortcomings of any new idea presented to you if tables were turned? The key to defending the position is to depersonalize the debate (it’s not about you so don’t take it personally) and problem-solve with their listeners using stated needs and the merits of the solution proposed. Leaders demonstrate courage and ask how another solution, or another version of the solution tabled would be better suited to the needs. TIP: Think of a list of 10 objections to your proposed solution and practice a short response to each of the objections.
Watch and listen how top professionals use these three skills to engage, convince and win in your next live and virtual encounters.