3 Mar Getting your Message Across: Strategies for Conveying Technical and Complex Information
Communication excellence, speaking clearly and conveying ideas with impact, is highly associated with career and organizational success.
Yet, healthcare and technology leaders face a major challenge: simplifying complex and technical information so that others “get it,” buy-in, and take action for best results.
Here are some truths about transmitting knowledge and influencing others outside your field:
- Knowing your topic does not equal speaking clearly about your topic.
- Your listeners likely don’t care about your topic as much as you do-sorry!
- Anytime you speak, whether one on one or to a crowd, in person or virtual, in a formal or informal setting, you are a “presenter.”
- Preparation, not Desperation: Strategize and plan, no matter how knowledgeable you are.
26 Jan Random Reasons Clients Like Virtual Meetings
As a communication coach working with hundreds of clients virtually, I’ve asked, “Why do you prefer Zoom to a real room?”
Here are my fave fun replies. Add your virtual virtue in the comments below.
- I can eat garlic bread and smelly cheese on a break
- I only have to wash the front part of my hair
- I can wear my shirt with a hole on the back collar
- I am all alone in the bathroom.
- I pound out three emails in thirty- minutes, and no one knows
- I look ten years younger with my ring light-yes!
- I can emit natural body noises without shame.
- I get to wear my cuddly red polka dot pajama bottoms
- I learned to speak without moving my lips to people in my house
- Your contribution?
14 May Ten Things Professionals like about Zooming
I
nquiring Communication Coach: What do you like about Zooming?
I conducted a non-scientific poll of my business clients to learn:
Top 10 Things Professionals Like About Zoom
- You can wear your PJ bottoms (just watch the camera shot).
- You can look at yourself all day, for better or worse.
- You don’t have to smell fish cooking in the microwave.
- You get to use your own bathroom.
- You can squeeze your stress ball without anyone knowing.
- You get to see an occasional baby, kid, cat, dog, or gerbil.
- You may get to hug someone between meetings—Awww!
- You can wear your most comfy decade old shoes.
- You can make coffee your way.
- Write anything YOU like (if you do) about Zooming in the comments below.
14 Apr Five Ideas for Encouraging Participation in Virtual Meetings
Research and experience tell us how important equal and energized group meetings are to morale and productivity.
Yet, clients using virtual audio or video conferencing say that engaging all participants, holding attention, and controlling interruptions and overlapping speakers are significant challenges.
Make sure you are incorporating these five essentials in your virtual meetings:
12 Feb How to Be a Good Listener In Groups
Intuitively, we all know that many speakers are nervous when presenting. Yet, when attending a meeting or conference, we rarely think about how we, as listeners, can help the speaker be more comfortable. Though most of my team’s time is spent focusing on coaching speakers to be more confident and effective, as a listener, you can help as well.
Here are five practical tips for being a great listener in a group setting:
- Provide non-verbal feedback. Speakers are sensitive to listeners’ facial expressions and posture. It helps to grin, show facial interest, smile if appropriate, and use a slight forward lean.
- Get cozier. Have you noticed that the front row at a meeting or conference is often empty or sparsely populated? Speakers benefit from feeling connected to their listeners, so, in a large group, be brave and sit as near to the speaker as possible.
- Ask questions. It is uncomfortable when the presenter asks if there are any questions and then…crickets! Yes, it can take courage on your part to speak up. But, knowing that you are helping the speaker feel better may get you going.
- Avoid distracting behaviors. Presenters notice everything because they can SEE everything from their vantage point. Know that you are not invisible and avoid talking to colleagues, fiddling with papers, or your handbag. If you need to cough more than several times, best to move into the hallway.
- Approach the speaker afterward. Whether it’s a small group meeting or a large conference, presenters feel uplifted when they know their information or style is appreciated. Offer a sincere compliment if you can. Conversation with the presenter is a boost to networking too!
7 Oct Know Your Listeners
Knowing your listeners is key to preparing an effective presentation. Nothing puts listeners into a speaker’s pocket better than a speech that zeroes in on their specific needs. Your listeners will be more likely to respond positively if they feel that your research has helped you prepare specifically for them.
Answers to the following 10 questions will provide you with most of the information you need to know about your listeners before you speak. This will help you target your message, focus and streamline your presentation, customize materials, and reduce your anxiety.