Personal Development: Communication Tips
Communication has less to do with actual words and more to do with preparation, follow up and body language. Physical communication (person to person in the flesh) includes many different things to consider. Voice communication is different from physical communication for obvious reasons. Written communication has certain advantages for the writer, as he/she can really think through what they are trying to convey to the reader. But preparation, follow up and body language are very much related to all of the above types of communicating.
Obviously, the more one is prepared for something, like a meeting, the more it is likely they will know what to say and when to say it. If I try to give a seminar on commercial real estate to a local real estate investors club, I could easily be asked a question and not have the answer. However, if I do not prepare at all for it, the likelihood that this will happen increases very much. Being prepared means knowing or at least attempting to know what to expect. I was never a boy scout, but I know their motto is “Be prepared.” This makes perfect sense. The more prepared you are, the more confidence you demonstrate to others.
Follow up. Follow up. Follow up! In life, the better you are at following up on things, the easier things seem. It’s funny how you can expect things to just go your way or happen as planned. Make no mistake, follow up is an important part of communication. Think about the follow up call a guy gives a girl (or vise versa), on a Tuesday, after getting the number on that past Saturday night. Sure, there is that “mandatory” waiting period, but the follow up is key to extending further communication. Without it, communication breakdown begins and before you know it, a month has passed and when you go to call the person, they don’t [or don’t want] to remember your name!
If you’re closing on a piece of real estate, you depend on many different parties to get things done. The lender, title and insurance company, inspectors, appraisers and the like, must come together to help you close the deal. Follow up is so important on your part! Making calls and sending emails to the various parties involved will only better your chances of a smooth closing. You must follow up.
Body language involves the eyes, head, body and general appearance of a person. A very intense look consists of eye contact and possibly some nodding of the head accompanied by leaning forward. Compare this to a person leaning back in their chair and yawning as you speak. Different body “tones” send different messages to the receiver. Making a point to make eye contact can go a long way in developing rapport with people. By conveying positive body language, you’re showing the receiver you are a person with motivation, confidence, and strength.
These are three basic communication tips, but they’ll go a long way toward improving your overall effectiveness. Effective communication does depend on the confidence you show but you build confidence if you develop these basic skills. Being prepared cannot be stressed enough! The more you prepare for a speech, conversation, or networking/social gathering, the more confident you will be. That is a fact!
Obviously, the more one is prepared for something, like a meeting, the more it is likely they will know what to say and when to say it. If I try to give a seminar on commercial real estate to a local real estate investors club, I could easily be asked a question and not have the answer. However, if I do not prepare at all for it, the likelihood that this will happen increases very much. Being prepared means knowing or at least attempting to know what to expect. I was never a boy scout, but I know their motto is “Be prepared.” This makes perfect sense. The more prepared you are, the more confidence you demonstrate to others.
Follow up. Follow up. Follow up! In life, the better you are at following up on things, the easier things seem. It’s funny how you can expect things to just go your way or happen as planned. Make no mistake, follow up is an important part of communication. Think about the follow up call a guy gives a girl (or vise versa), on a Tuesday, after getting the number on that past Saturday night. Sure, there is that “mandatory” waiting period, but the follow up is key to extending further communication. Without it, communication breakdown begins and before you know it, a month has passed and when you go to call the person, they don’t [or don’t want] to remember your name!
If you’re closing on a piece of real estate, you depend on many different parties to get things done. The lender, title and insurance company, inspectors, appraisers and the like, must come together to help you close the deal. Follow up is so important on your part! Making calls and sending emails to the various parties involved will only better your chances of a smooth closing. You must follow up.
Body language involves the eyes, head, body and general appearance of a person. A very intense look consists of eye contact and possibly some nodding of the head accompanied by leaning forward. Compare this to a person leaning back in their chair and yawning as you speak. Different body “tones” send different messages to the receiver. Making a point to make eye contact can go a long way in developing rapport with people. By conveying positive body language, you’re showing the receiver you are a person with motivation, confidence, and strength.
These are three basic communication tips, but they’ll go a long way toward improving your overall effectiveness. Effective communication does depend on the confidence you show but you build confidence if you develop these basic skills. Being prepared cannot be stressed enough! The more you prepare for a speech, conversation, or networking/social gathering, the more confident you will be. That is a fact!