Digital Journal Example
Mastering the Art
of Communication
Communicating for Impact
8.6.2024
Natalie Born
You are standing on a large stage in front of 300 people. Your heart races, and your palms sweat. The spotlight is on you, and all eyes are eagerly waiting to hear what you have to say. How do you feel in that moment? Are you excited by the opportunity to share your message, or does a wave of anxiety wash over you as you step up to the microphone?
There are two ways to approach this. The first says, "All eyes are on me—will they accept me and what I have to say?" The second way says, "I’m here to transform mindsets and make an impact; I can’t wait to provide value to those who came to listen."
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According to a Harvard University study, 80% of a leader’s effectiveness stems from emotional intelligence (EQ), while only 20% is attributed to IQ. This statistic underscores the importance of connecting with others on a deeper level and understanding their needs, emotions, and motivations when communicating.
This requires us to move ourselves out of the way and focus on others. It demands that we have enough confidence in the God-given abilities within us to concentrate on our audience and their needs. But that’s just it, isn’t it? IQ is all about communicating your message or information. EQ is about ensuring your message engages the hearts and minds of the people you want to communicate with, leading to transformation.
I distinctly remember when I made this shift. In my early twenties, I used to get incredibly nervous when speaking. In fact, I hated the attention and would have rather been behind the scenes than in front of a crowd. Coming up through technology, this was a pretty common equation. Most technologists did not enjoy public speaking; those who did were in a class of their own. Their ability to communicate their thoughts and ideas made them more effective in their roles—they were promoted faster and earned more than their peers. I didn’t want to be left behind, so I started saying yes to any opportunity to speak in front of an audience. I knew that focusing on EQ would be more important than being the smartest person in the room. Maybe that’s why this quote by Gerald R. Ford is so compelling to me: “If I went back to college again, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.”
Your fastest way to credibility to clear and impactful communication. Take a moment and think about some of the great communicators you have the pleasure of watching. Perhaps it’s a Tedx Speaker, a pastor, or business leader. Know that they didn’t get there overnight. What you didn’t see was the years of preparation that went into what we would call a “gift”. But the sooner you start the sooner you too will be gifted in this area.
Making an Impact
Now more than ever, communication skills matter if you want your message to have impact and clarity. Speaking on platforms is not just for professional speakers or pastors; it’s for anyone who has a message that needs to be heard. It is one of the most powerful ways to get your message out to as many people as possible. Another way to put it:
If you want to lead, you must use your voice to be heard!
If we want to communicate for impact, we should strengthen our communication skills. Whether you're a CEO, a manager, or an entreprenuer, your ability to communicate can significantly impact your results.
Effective communication is not just about transmitting information; it’s about creating an experience that resonates with your audience. Whether you are speaking in a boardroom or giving a presentation, your goal should be to connect with your audience and leave a lasting impression. Think of ways that you can inspire, influence, and engage. Effective communication is not just about exchanging information; it's about creating a meaningful connection.
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Preparation and Practice
Before walking into any environment, be well-prepared. It relaxes you because you know your material cold. Even if the electronics and overheads don’t work, you know the message you want to share. But it also demonstrates respect for your audience. Nothing is worse than feeling that someone is winging it or “mailing it in,” and you have to watch. Don’t practice on your audience. Practice at home.
Understanding Your Audience
Verbal communication is about more than just the words you use. It's about how you deliver your message. To do this you must understanding your audience's needs and expectations. This is key to delivering a message that resonates. Conduct research, gather feedback, and tailor your message accordingly.
Aim to convey your message clearly and concisely. Avoid jargon and complex language that might confuse your audience. Engage your audience by asking questions, sharing anecdotes, and using humor.
If you can, connect with your audience on an emotional level. Use stories and examples that evoke emotions and inspire action. Consider the emotional journey you want your audience to experience. Offer valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Your audience should feel that their time was well spent and that they gained something meaningful from the interaction with you.
Own the Room
Owning the Room or Executive presence is all about how you carry yourself and the impression you make on others. It's a combination of confidence and authenticity. Your body language speaks volumes about your confidence and intent. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize your points and smile so people know are warm and confident.
Next time you walk into a room I want you to look around. You will see two types of people; the ones that own the room and the ones all watching those that own the room. I can hear all my introverts sighing deeply but I don’t want to own the room. If you are speaking, introvert or extravert owning the room is a must. Do it in your own way and do it authentically but owning the room is a must when you are speaking.
Here’s a hard truth, people look at how you dress. Your appearance can influence how others perceive you. Dress in a way that aligns with your professional environment and the message you want to convey. My rule of thumb when going to speak to an audience is I want to be dressed a little nicer then they are since I am the guest speaker.
Watch the Pros
The first few times I had to speak on a rather large stage, I visiualized some of the best speakers I had ever seen in my mind. I recalled what made them so effective. They were relaxed, they seemed like they loved what they were doing and they were having fun. Their presence actually put me at ease in the audience. They had funny moments, moments that stepped on my toes and challenged me, and even emotional moments where I had to hold back tears. They took me on a journey. I was in the storyline with them. Incredible speakers provide a platform for transformation. I truly believe that no matter what we do for a living we are all in the business of transformation. To transform
others you must first transform yourself by being comfortable in your own skin.
Taking Action: Improving Your Communication
Improving your communication skills is an ongoing process. I remember when I first started out I said I wanted to speak twice a year. Later that turned into once a quarter and then once a month. In 2024, by the time the year ends I will have spoken over 30 times this year in front of auidences all over the United States. So set goals by identify specific areas where you want to improve and how often you want to move out of your comfort zone.
Practice regularly by seeking opportunities to hone your skills and seek feedback. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement. Before giving a large presentation I will deliver it in a smaller setting and ask others that I can do to improve it.
What I am going to say next is a huge challenge for many people but record yourself and watch yourself back. No one loves doing it but it will let you see quickly and easily how you can improve your style and delivery. Again our goal is to never practice on our audience. I once heard it said if you are not willing to watch yourself speak you are not willing to improve. Speaking is something that you can get better at with time, attention and practice.
Next, take time to truly reflect on your communication experiences and identify what worked well and what didn't. Adjust your approach based on your reflections and feedback from others.
Mastering the art of communication is a journey that requires dedication and effort. By honing your skills, creating powerful experiences, and understanding your audience, you can become a more effective communicator. Remember that communication is not just about conveying information; it's about building relationships, inspiring action, and creating moments of transformation. Whether you're speaking to a large audience or having a one-on-one conversation, the principles of effective communication remain the same. Embrace the challenge and strive for continuous improvement.