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Challenging Communication
By Steve Adubato , PhD Freelance Contributor
We all must present and communicate in pressure-filled situations . It could be a critical meeting where you need to persuade others to action . Or you are communicating to the media regarding a particular incident . Consider the following tips for communicating in challenging situations :
Know your audience .
Who are your key stakeholders ? Who do you need to communicate with in a credible fashion around an existing crisis or potentially challenging situation ? Knowing your audience will help you craft your message .
Don ’ t try to memorize your presentation . It never works . Plus , even if you get the words right , your presentation will be stiff and stilted , rather than conversational and fluid . Lose the script . Instead , jot down three or four key themes or messages and have them in front of you for reference .
Prepare for the Q & A .
No matter how effective you think your presentation is , you are likely to face a challenging series of questions afterward . Consider the three toughest questions you are likely to be asked . Then , practice answering each question , in 20 seconds or less , and “ bridge ” or “ transition ” back to your main message .
Stay within the goal post .
When responding to a question , imagine a football goal post , where everything inside the goal post are your key points and themes that you will use to achieve your desired goal . Anything outside the goal post are areas and topics you want to avoid .
Practice makes progress .
There is no substitute for practice . Recruit some trusted colleagues to engage you in a Q & A prior to your actual presentation . This will allow you to refine your main message and practice your delivery and timing , while receiving feedback . Practicing in this fashion will give you more confidence that you are truly prepared for the real presentation or Q & A .
Steve Adubato , PhD , is the author of five books , with his newest , “ Lessons in Leadership 2.0 : The Tough Stuff ”, to be published later this year . He is an Emmy
® Award-winning anchor with programs airing on Thirteen / WNET ( PBS ) and NJ PBS who has appeared on CNN , Today Show and NPR . Steve Adubato ’ s “ Lessons in Leadership ” video podcast with co-host Mary Gamba airs Sundays at 10 a . m . on News 12 +. For more information visit
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