How to Be an Effective Communicator
Speech is a powerful tool. It is important for you to
understand, though that just because you are able to talk, does not mean you
have listeners. More so, just because people are listening, does not mean you
are getting through to them. It takes more than having the ability to speak for
one to be called an effective communicator. Being an effective speaker is an
important trait to have because that means that you have the power, the
charisma, and the influence to touch people’s lives and make a difference.
The Power of Words
People who have the ability to make their words
flourish can move mountains and move people. If you can get through to people,
you can encourage them to join you on your endeavor. You need people to help
you go through the things you have to do and you need the help of those around
you to make things happen. By saying the right words, you can evoke the right
emotion that will invigorate people to be more and do more.
How to be Effective
You can speak at the top of your lungs but if no one
is really listening then your efforts would be in vain. When you talk,
therefore, you have to understand that you are doing so because you want to
impart something to your audience and not aimlessly hitting air. When you
speak, you have to make sure that someone is listening on the other end, and to
ensure this, you have to know how to be an effective communicator. You have to
be a speaker that people listen to; a speaker who makes sense to others… a
speaker who is able to touch lives and make a difference.
·
Observe. To be
able to appeal to what is apt for your audience, you have to be a keen
observer. People listen when they want to hear what you have to say, so you
have to purposely pick the right words, the right method and the right topics
that will capture their attention.
·
Be a good
listener. To be able to speak well, you have to know how to listen well. It is
harder to listen, but if you understand how it is to be on the other end of the
line, you will become more sensitive and aware of the way you convey yourself
during a speech, and seek for ways to improve.
·
Build rapport.
Always remind yourself that you are not talking to a wall. You are speaking in
front of an audience, however small, and they have afforded you their time. To
be able to capture their attention, you have to build rapport with your
audience by maintaining eye contact, asking questions, and gathering their
opinions.
·
Stick to your
goal. When you deliver a speech or when you set yourself to speak to someone,
it is important for you to determine your goals for doing so, and make sure to
keep at it. If you always keep your goal in mind, you will make sure to do a
good job every time you open your mouth.
Speak to be understood, not just for the sake of
saying something. Do not waste your energy with pointless conversation. Always
strive to communicate effectively, and get your message across.
