The Point: Without some basic communication skills, no leader in the world can run their organization as effectively if they had. This is where communication skills training for leaders comes in. No matter which stage of leadership you are in, developing communication training is beneficial as you get to learn new concepts and sharpen tried and tested skills. What follows in this post are what we consider at Tip of the Spear to be the basic lessons taught in communication skills training… Enjoy!
Body Language
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider your body language. It is not “what” you say, but “how” you carry yourself during communications that creates the first, and perhaps most important impression. For instance, while you may be tired after a strenuous meeting or leadership development session, which explains why you are slumped in your chair, the people around you can perceive this to be a lack of interest in the job (or leading them!)
Verbal Communication
You should dress, walk, move your hands, and even make eye contact in a way that suits a leader. Only then you can initiate the second stage of communication, i.e. the way you speak. When you are communicating verbally, your speech (especially the tone of your voice) should influence and elicit the response of the listeners that you hope to achieve.
Authoritative Voice
A leader should be seen as an authority figure, which is why you should work in leadership development on your tone while communicating professionally. Also consider the voice “throw.” If you are soft-spoken, this can also be perceived as a lack of confidence. So with this in mind, try to speak at a higher volume (pace) than you usually speak. This does not mean that you raise your pitch or your speed dramatically. Remember, you need to speak in a low tone and at a pace that allows the listener to take interest and seep in the message.
Sound Vocabulary
You can further augment your verbal communication skills by using powerful words. While the usage of words is not the primary factor in successful verbal communication, when getting communication skills training for leaders, you will be taught how your using certain expressions over others can enhance the power of the message. A helpful tip in this regard is to downplay negative expressions and replace them with positive ones, for example saying ‘I will try my best’ instead of ‘no, I can’t do it’ as well as replacing “but” with “and.”
Empathy
Finally and most importantly, a leader should learn how to empathize with his/her listeners. Ask yourself, “Who are you speaking to?” and “Is what I am saying any help to them or not?” Active listening allows you to connect with your listeners, which in turns gives you a loyal and dedicated group from which to work with.
SUMMARY
To sum up, communication skills training for leaders should be taken at different points of your career as leadership development. This will attune your entire being, from physical appearance to the exchange of ideas verbally, so that you influence those you lead effortlessly. The emphasis is on the word ‘effortlessly’ for you fail as a communicator if people can see you working hard to come up with eloquent phrases or if they can spot that you are just pretending to listen to them (Never a good communication outcome!)
For more information on Tip of the Spear Communication Skills Training for Leaders series titled Communicate with Influence, use the title bar above or review our website.
