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Part I: Honing Your Communication Skills
demonstrate that you care about what’s important to people,
they’re likely to share with you their thoughts, beliefs and
feelings. By understanding others’ values, beliefs and the concerns
that they’re facing, you have information that you can
use to inform your approach.
When you’re seeking to discover what matters to other
people, ask yourself ‘what’s the benefit for my listeners?’ If
you’re to be successful in presenting a compelling case, you
have to address what matters to your listeners.
Speaking with credibility
To demonstrate credibility you need to be well-versed in the
subject matter so that you can speak with authority. Also, ask
yourself how listeners perceive you. How much do you know
about their needs, concerns, values, beliefs and culture? Do
you come across as honest and trustworthy, do you give an
impression of integrity and ethical behaviour and are you
believable?
In order for your listeners to believe what you say, you need
to establish your credibility. Here are ideas for doing so:
✓ Develop honest relationships: Hidden agendas and withheld
information compromise your credibility. Justify your
point of view by addressing the pros and cons of an issue
and explain your reasoning to validate your position.
✓ Follow through on promises: Whether you’re promising
your boss that you’re going to meet her deadlines or
promising your daughter that you’re going to her dance
recital, follow through. Failing to do so is a sure way of
corroding your credibility. If unexpected circumstances
get in the way, immediately set in place alternative plans
to carry out your promise. Coming up with another
arrangement demonstrates your desire to be true to
your word.
✓ Be consistent: When you work for a business you represent
that organisation’s values and goals. Even when times
are tough, stick to your guns, because if you change your
position you tarnish your credibility. People who look
up to you for guidance and direction start to doubt your
ability and question themselves for having trusted you.
People trust those who stand by their convictions.