We at the Thin Pink Line get feedback that readers like the combination of “news you can use” and commentary on current events from women’s perspectives.  You too can get positive feedback about your communications if you follow the same guidelines Carol, Kathleen, Liz, and I use:  balance the big picture and the details.  We know that some people like ideas, concepts and theory while others like practical tools and tips, so we mix it up.  Here are 3 easy tips for how you can do the same for more powerful communications in your work setting:

1.  Prepare for every presentation you make — and remember that every time you open your mouth or prepare a written communique it’s a presentation.  Think about the two or three most important things you want people to take away and keep your message focused on just those.  You’ve heard me say it before: short sounds confident. 

2.  Do your homework.  My 7th grade science teacher, Hans Selye, used to tell us, “Chance favors the prepared mind.”  I never forgot that (and that was quite a while back!).  Regularly reading professional journals, newspapers, and magazines (my favorite is The Week) keeps your mind agile and open to new ideas.  It also helps make for sparkling party conversation.

3.  Brainstorm ideas with people who think differently than you.  If you know you’re an “idea person” who has difficulty communicating the tangible benefits of your ideas, talk to someone who’s good at it and ask for help in synthesizing your concepts for crisp communication.  Conversely, if you tend to get bogged down in the weeds, look to those who are always coming up with new ways of approaching old problems for help in assessing the bigger picture. 

Make yours a great week-end. 

TAGS: business communication, Communication Skills, influence with impact