{"id":2417,"date":"2021-01-29T10:52:03","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T10:52:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/?p=2417"},"modified":"2024-03-06T11:47:21","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T11:47:21","slug":"impactful-and-effective-virtual-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/impactful-and-effective-virtual-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"Impactful and effective virtual communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

\"\"Richard Morris, Accredited Trainer<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

2020 made businesses adapt their channels of communication. Lockdown meant a focus on virtual platforms, with internal and external stakeholders working remotely.<\/p>\r\n

The emphasis for many was \u2018Do we have the right platforms in place?\u2019<\/p>\r\n

Perhaps the real focus was \u2018Do our people have the skills to communicate clearly, concisely and impactfully?\u2019<\/p>\r\n

Irrespective of verbal, written or non-verbal communication \u2013 how you convey yourself and the impression you make, is vital in any virtual business setting. This is explored more in the Canadian HR Reporter article \u2018How to deliver effective communication in a pandemic\u2019 from McLuhan & Davies. Read it here\u2026<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Think structure!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Whether positioning new ideas, giving project updates, solving problems, fielding questions or leveraging a sale, poorly crafted communication can form an unfavourable view on you, your team or your organisation. So, think \u2018structure first\u2019:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. Be Clear<\/strong> \u2013 Identify the core parts of your message, analyse what it is you need to say by identifying your \u2018Key Points\u2019. Our heads are crammed with information and the message can be lost if all you do is \u2018verbally dump\u2019 what you are thinking. If your listener must decipher it, then this leads to unclarity and misunderstanding. Be clear in what you want to say before saying it!<\/li>\r\n
  2. Be Brief<\/strong> \u2013 Consider clear separation between your key points, as it helps your listener hear when you move from one key point to another. A simple pause helps your listener hear those distinct pieces of communication. Not forgetting to get to the point quickly!<\/li>\r\n
  3. Create an Impact<\/strong> \u2013 Logically connect each key point to the next. By developing a logical sequence, you form forward movement in what you want to say \u2013 creating dynamic, energetic and impactful communication.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    Think on Your Feet\u00ae<\/a> emphasises structure when communicating verbally. It provides the tools and techniques to ensure you are clear, confident and able to think before you speak \u2013 even when caught-on-the-spot! Find out more…<\/a><\/p>\r\n

    Listen with your eyes, as well as your ears.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    Your non-verbal communication should mirror what you are saying, pay attention to what your body is doing, as non-verbal tends to be more less conscious. A simple nod, a thumbs up, a wave can be effective. Non-verbal cues which tell the person \u2018I am listening\u2019 or \u2018Yes I agree!\u2019 \u2013 sometimes saying less is more.<\/p>\r\n

    Listen with your eyes as well as your ears \u2013 how you appear on screen is important too. Watch what others are doing. Does their verbal communication match their non-verbal gestures? And yours too! Your eye line should be in the top third of the screen, have headroom and looking space around you and maintain eye contact by looking directly at your camera when speaking.<\/p>\r\n

    Work on your posture, sitting up straight shows confidence, yet a slump in the chair shows you are disinterested. A slight lean forward can show you are engaged. So, ensure your non-verbal cues match what you are saying, it\u2019s crucial not to send mixed messages!<\/p>\r\n

    The Skilled Presenter™<\/a> workshop focuses on how listeners perceive the speaker. It introduces you to the tools and techniques that professional speakers use to prepare and deliver presentations \u2013 no matter what delivery platform. Find out more…<\/a><\/p>\r\n

    Putting it in writing<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

    Most of the time, your verbal communication is supported by putting it in writing. Currently many readers are overloaded, 33% of emails are not read and at best are only skim read! As skim readers need to quickly understand the essence of what is being said, you need to ensure that your email is:<\/p>\r\n