DEVELOPMENT
Keep it brief The attention span of humans is now measured at just 8.25 seconds ! So , whether you ’ re delivering a presentation or sending an email , aim for quality over quantity . Although not every interaction can fit into 8.25 seconds , it always pays to impart your main point first . Try author Simon Sinek ’ s ‘ golden circle ’ model . State your ‘ why ’ ( your purpose or belief ) first then your ‘ how ’ and ‘ what ’.
Six habits of master communicators
Truly masterful communicators are typically more liked , respected , trusted , connected , successful and valued than their peers . Lisa Stephenson explains how they get there – and how EAs can , too
THE EXPERT
Lisa , founder of The Coach Place Global , is a coach , consultant , keynote speaker and author . She can be found behind the scenes in fast-paced environments with C-Suite execs , entrepreneurs , and highprofile individuals . Here , trust is non-negotiable , and the stakes are high .
Despite a surge in technology-driven displacement of jobs , we humans still have the advantage when it comes to our ability to manage , advise , make decisions , interact , reason and communicate . It should be simple . We all talk , listen and question . But is that really communicating ?
The truly masterful communicators are great storytellers , negotiators and influencers , as well as listeners . They ’ re typically more liked , respected , trusted , connected , successful and valued than their peers .
Here ’ s how they do it …
Clarify their objective Before you open your mouth or put fingers to keypad ask yourself what you ’ re trying to communicate . What are you hoping the outcome of this conversation or message will be ? What topics do you need to bring up ? Being clear about the purpose of an interaction will help you convey your intended meaning .
Speak their truth As trust is seen to be declining worldwide , it ’ s more critical than ever to be an authentic communicator . Sheryl Sandberg , Facebook ’ s chief operating officer , assures us it ’ s simple , given that everything in life is subjective and , therefore , true to whoever believes it .
So , instead of walking into a room and saying you have the answer ( without giving anyone the opportunity to say otherwise ) she suggests starting from the position of : “ Here ’ s what I believe . What do you believe ?” This allows others to communicate their truth , too .
Wait their turn As the son of a tribal chief , Nelson Mandela observed that , in meetings , his father was always the last to speak . When leaders are too quick to share their opinions , they influence ( and potentially change ) the points that others may have raised had they been given the chance to contribute . Sit back and take in what others are saying .
Listen Great communicators get up close and personal with those around them . They demonstrate that they ’ re engaged by shutting out distractions , asking lots of questions and listening more than they talk . Crucially , they seek first to understand then to be understood .
They also pay attention to non-verbal cues , which research suggests comprise 93 % of communication . People don ’ t always tell their truth , but they do always show us what they ’ re thinking and feeling , and what they ’ re all about . If you concentrate on really ‘ seeing ’ them rather than just listening , you ’ ll understand them far better and go on to reap the benefits .
Manage their signals Just as it ’ s important to observe the body language of others , you need to consider – and control – your cues , too . Want to show confidence ? Prepare yourself and what you have to say . Stand / sit tall , uncross your arms , speak clearly and concisely , look the person in the eye and manage what your face is doing . Remember , you get back what you give out . S
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52 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2022