How to be a powerful communicator

Being able to communicate effectively in all areas of life is a hugely important skill, but because we communicate all the time, we often forget it requires attention and a bit of practice.

For women, communication can be a very powerful tool. It can help with career progression, be the foundation of solid and lasting relationships, and it has the ability to inspire others which, in turn, boosts confidence.

But when was the last time you really thought about how you could improve your communication skills to achieve those things?

Former US President Barack Obama is often referred to as one of the greatest orators of modern times. It might be helpful to watch back some of the speeches he made when he was in office to see how he communicates well. Using minimal but effective hand gestures, speaking slowly and pausing where necessary, and avoiding jargon or overly complex language, are some of the techniques he used.

Here are some top tips for boosting your ability to communicate well in all areas of work and life:

• Prepare and practice – if you have a presentation or a speech you have been asked to give, the key is to practice speaking out loud. Get used to the sound of your own voice in this environment. Then record your rehearsed speech and listen back. How do you sound? Are you speaking with confidence? Do you sound convincing? Assess yourself honestly and keep practising until you feel you are communicating your points concisely and with authority.
• The ‘power of 3’ – it is a trick or approach that is often used in marketing and is based on the idea that communicating in ‘threes’ is the most effective and memorable way to communicate. Afterall, there is only so much information we can absorb and recall when we need to. In a presentation, this might be sticking to three points that you want to make. It can also apply to written communication – in an email, keep to three bullet points. By thinking and talking in ‘threes’, it should help you to establish yourself as a powerful communicator.
• Listen – to be an effective communicator, you need to listen to other people. Hearing what others have to say in a work meeting or gathering of friends, and then responding when invited, is all part of improving your communication skills.
• Networking – after-work networking events have often been the domain of men, especially as women tend to take on more caring roles at home. So, make the time to attend networking events. If you think you might struggle to talk to groups of people you don’t know very well or at all, prepare questions before you go. Set yourself a time limit – perhaps you will stay for one hour – and set targets of the number of people you will speak and swap business cards with.
• Online tools – make use of online communication tools, particularly if you find it easier to air your views or talk about your achievements in writing. For example, post career accomplishments on LinkedIn, Twitter or whichever social media site is most appropriate. That way, you can review your language before you make it live and spot any instances where you have downplayed your success.
• Body language – believe it or not, the way you stand can affect your speaking voice. So, when in large groups of people or talking one-on-one, consider how you are holding yourself. If you have a good and relaxed posture, not only will you speak loudly and clearly, but you will look like you have confidence in what you are saying. Also, maintain eye contact where possible, as this holds people’s attention.

Confidence and communication need to be worked at, but they are some of the most useful skills you can learn!