Post by rreiter on Mar 25, 2016 4:13:44 GMT
What are some of the characteristics of influential communicators?
An influential communicator first needs to have established himself or herself prior to any message to be delivered in order to be effective and influential. As Deborah Barret points out, the influential communicator needs to build a positive ethos through being knowledgeable and establishing himself or herself as honest and trustworthy. Establishing credibility sets apart an influential leader from someone who struggles to get their message across. The idea of being knowledgeable as well as honest were also two of the “10 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders”. Knowing what you are talking about builds your credibility for your subject matter expertise, and being honest will further your credibility by building trust.
Influential communicators also have the characteristic of getting personal when delivering a message. This is achieved both by engaging your audience in a dialogue and by relating to them to help them understand the reasoning behind your message. Colin Powell was considered an excellent leader because he laid out his message and strategy during times of war in a way that acknowledged the concerns of other Americans, particularly those with sons or daughters going off to fight.
Finally, great influential communicators build a positive ethos by being confident and seen as a leader in their communications and then by living their message. Rudy Guiliani was seen as a leader in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 by leading from the front and being out among his fellow New Yorkers in the time of crisis. And Jack Welch was seen as a great leader because he always lived his message even when dealing in times of corporate scandal in the nation.
What negatively impacts communication?
When someone presents their message without any regard to how their audience might react, think, or have input is a way to negatively impact communication. The Forbes article points this out beautifully when discussing how communicators might lose their influence when they only lecture at their audience without having a meaningful conversation. Leaders can be influential when they know when to keep their mouths shut and their ears open, and they lose their influence when they do the opposite.
To that end, failure to properly know or assess your audience can also negatively impact your message. As Baldoni points out in his book, a good speaker needs to prepare for their message delivery not only by preparing their remarks but also by anticipating audience reaction. This includes knowing how to respond to potential objections, answering questions that might be raised, and dealing with hostility toward a less-than-favorable message. Failure to do so will lose your audience and damage your message.
How can a leader ensure they are hearing the bad news as well as the good news?
Baldoni pointed out that Jack Welch considered a CEO’s greatest failing as being the last to know. A leader can ensure that they are hearing all of the news – good and bad – by surrounding himself or herself with people who will give them honest assessments and reports rather than sugarcoating the truth out of fear of the boss’ reaction.
How can a leader ensure a message sticks?
One way a leader can ensure that a message sticks is to facilitate response from your audience. While having a dialogue with the audience is a good way to keep them engaged, it is also a great way to ensure that the message you are delivering is absorbed.
What steps can you take to overcome objections with your message?
One of the first ways one can overcome objections with your message is to anticipate what those objections might be before you deliver your message. Knowing how your message might be received and how to respond to negative feedback will allow you to not only project more confidence in your responses, but it will also show your audience that you understand them. Both Forbes and Baldoni also emphasized empathy when delivering your message or engaging in dialogue. Communicating your concern shows that you care about your audience and the effect your message has on them. As Forbes points out, it will help turn anger into respect.
What strategies can you use to be sure the audience is engaged?
You can ensure audience engagement by making your message a dialogue rather than a monologue. Soliciting feedback will not only show that you value your audience’s opinion, but it also keeps them engaged and focused on the message you are trying to deliver. Baldoni also suggests using interactive tools or exercises throughout your presentation to keep the audience engaged rather than falling into the trap of zoning out until after your message has been delivered.
What does it mean to be an authentic presenter?
An authentic presenter is someone who is not only knowledgeable about their message, but they are also serious about their message. Having authenticity in your message is also shown through when you reflect the mood of the moment during the message in your demeanor, your voice, and in the way you present yourself.
An influential communicator first needs to have established himself or herself prior to any message to be delivered in order to be effective and influential. As Deborah Barret points out, the influential communicator needs to build a positive ethos through being knowledgeable and establishing himself or herself as honest and trustworthy. Establishing credibility sets apart an influential leader from someone who struggles to get their message across. The idea of being knowledgeable as well as honest were also two of the “10 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders”. Knowing what you are talking about builds your credibility for your subject matter expertise, and being honest will further your credibility by building trust.
Influential communicators also have the characteristic of getting personal when delivering a message. This is achieved both by engaging your audience in a dialogue and by relating to them to help them understand the reasoning behind your message. Colin Powell was considered an excellent leader because he laid out his message and strategy during times of war in a way that acknowledged the concerns of other Americans, particularly those with sons or daughters going off to fight.
Finally, great influential communicators build a positive ethos by being confident and seen as a leader in their communications and then by living their message. Rudy Guiliani was seen as a leader in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 by leading from the front and being out among his fellow New Yorkers in the time of crisis. And Jack Welch was seen as a great leader because he always lived his message even when dealing in times of corporate scandal in the nation.
What negatively impacts communication?
When someone presents their message without any regard to how their audience might react, think, or have input is a way to negatively impact communication. The Forbes article points this out beautifully when discussing how communicators might lose their influence when they only lecture at their audience without having a meaningful conversation. Leaders can be influential when they know when to keep their mouths shut and their ears open, and they lose their influence when they do the opposite.
To that end, failure to properly know or assess your audience can also negatively impact your message. As Baldoni points out in his book, a good speaker needs to prepare for their message delivery not only by preparing their remarks but also by anticipating audience reaction. This includes knowing how to respond to potential objections, answering questions that might be raised, and dealing with hostility toward a less-than-favorable message. Failure to do so will lose your audience and damage your message.
How can a leader ensure they are hearing the bad news as well as the good news?
Baldoni pointed out that Jack Welch considered a CEO’s greatest failing as being the last to know. A leader can ensure that they are hearing all of the news – good and bad – by surrounding himself or herself with people who will give them honest assessments and reports rather than sugarcoating the truth out of fear of the boss’ reaction.
How can a leader ensure a message sticks?
One way a leader can ensure that a message sticks is to facilitate response from your audience. While having a dialogue with the audience is a good way to keep them engaged, it is also a great way to ensure that the message you are delivering is absorbed.
What steps can you take to overcome objections with your message?
One of the first ways one can overcome objections with your message is to anticipate what those objections might be before you deliver your message. Knowing how your message might be received and how to respond to negative feedback will allow you to not only project more confidence in your responses, but it will also show your audience that you understand them. Both Forbes and Baldoni also emphasized empathy when delivering your message or engaging in dialogue. Communicating your concern shows that you care about your audience and the effect your message has on them. As Forbes points out, it will help turn anger into respect.
What strategies can you use to be sure the audience is engaged?
You can ensure audience engagement by making your message a dialogue rather than a monologue. Soliciting feedback will not only show that you value your audience’s opinion, but it also keeps them engaged and focused on the message you are trying to deliver. Baldoni also suggests using interactive tools or exercises throughout your presentation to keep the audience engaged rather than falling into the trap of zoning out until after your message has been delivered.
What does it mean to be an authentic presenter?
An authentic presenter is someone who is not only knowledgeable about their message, but they are also serious about their message. Having authenticity in your message is also shown through when you reflect the mood of the moment during the message in your demeanor, your voice, and in the way you present yourself.