Find Your Voice and Realise Your True Potential

Jay Pring

I'd like to introduce you to the art of communication, that magical gift some seem born with, and others struggle to master.

The way we communicate defines who we are in the eyes of those our message is aimed at. Words, gestures, body language, even our mood, all combine to create an impression ... good, bad, or indifferent.

Effective communication in both a professional or personal sense, can define how the world perceives us. It forms lasting connections that can power us to success at all levels. Effective communication makes teamwork easy, removing confusion and establishing clear goals and responsibilities, saving time and stress. Effective communication removes any room for doubt, instills confidence, and empowers the recipient.

On the flip side, poor communication can be a disaster. Mistakes happen and stress increases. Projects become delayed and run over budget and everyone involved begins to lose enthusiasm and confidence.

And at a personal level, poor communication skills can leave us feeling misunderstood, alienated and alone.

Whether it's the spoken or written word, or the way we present ourselves, being an effective communicator sets us up for success. It's a life skill that works in every environment.

But good communication isn't just what we say and how we say it. All good communicators are also great listeners, and they show great empathy to the people they are engaging with. They use body language to create comfort and confidence, and they instil a sense of reliability and trust. The best sales people I know aren't always the smartest guys in the room. But they listen intently so they can understand the client's problem, and they also keenly observe the room, to see who's who. They understand the subtleties of communication, the body language that defines the pecking order, and they manipulate it to get what they want.

It's the same in social situations. People who can read the room quickly establish who's interesting, who to avoid, and who's likely to be interested in anything they have to say.

We all do it in one way or another, mentally calculating what our path of least resistance will be. It's why you're likely to see people of similar mind connecting easily and comfortably. It's also likely why you feel so out of place at a gathering where you know few people, and even fewer know you. It's that feeling of uncertainty that stops us being who we really are, in case everyone hates us.

And it's even worse if you're about to present to an audience. Let me tell you, very few people like having to do that, and only a handful are naturally good at it. For everyone else, it takes practice, confidence and a healthy dose of courage.

But fear not, there are some common communication skills we can learn, and master. All good communicators share these traits, and anyone who wants to be a better communicator can learn them.

Believe me, it's a skillset even the most nervous person can master.

Cheers for now,

Jay

* For anyone wanting to master the art of effective communication, be it professionally or personally, dive into our website for inspirational videos, podcasts and training programs. It's the best gift you can give yourself.