Communication Strategies for the New Year

Communication for theStrategies New Year

BY KELLY DUGGAN

It is that time of year again when the “New Year, New You” attitude comes into play and you have likely drawn up a list of what you’d like to do to change and improve you in 2022. One item on the list, that everyone could always use a few pointers and reminder on, is communication. Here are a few tips to help better your communication skills, from speaking to answering emails, this new year.

THE SOUND OF YOUR VOICE – PITCH & TONE

Former presidents Reagan and Obama are both known as great communicators; their voices were both rich, deep, relaxed, and warm. When they spoke they communicated trust, confidence, likeability, and control. Lower pitched voices for both men and women are commonly associated with these qualities and it all stems from the way you breathe. There are four major levels of voice: the nasal, the mouth, the chest, and the diaphragm. NASAL Voice: Sounds high-pitched, almost whiny quality and can turn people off in a hurry. This is not the type of voice which helps one’s professional or social life. MOUTH Voice: The mouth voice is not very powerful. People who use the mouth voice are often overlooked as their sound is inconsequential. CHEST Voice: This voice is pleasant and maintains listener interest. It’s an OK sound. DIAPHRAGM Voice: This is the strongest, most attractive and most natural voice. A person who uses the diaphragm voice commands attention, “sounds” more attractive socially, and is more likely to be perceived as either a person of promise or a leader.

THE POWER OF PHYSICAL FOCUS

Did you know that we tend to be more aware of what we are saying to others than how our body is physically communicating with them? From the angle we stand, to eye contact and gestures, we can easily give away our lack of interest or insincerity. Eye contact, for example, is a clear indicator of interest. By holding your gaze for a few seconds longer, the other people will definitely sense your interest.

CREDIBILITY SABOTAGE – SELF-DEPRECATING PHRASES

The way you behave when interacting with others leaves an indelible impact on others regarding your image. Most people wish to be seen as confident, knowledgeable, and noteworthy. One way you can quickly sabotage that impression is by using self-deprecating phrases such as: I’m sorry, I just..., I only..., I’ll try, I can’t, is that OK, It’s only me..., This might be a stupid question, and is it OK..., just to name a few. Phrases like these undermine your value, are damaging and unhealthy. If you know you are guilty, the first thing to do is to acknowledge the behavior and start to become aware when you do it. Then, decide to practice the opposite behavior. Little by little, you will experience the difference positive and assertive phrases will make on how others treat you, and how you feel about yourself. Do you know the study of handwriting is called Graphology and it stems back as far as 1575? It’s amazing how much an individual’s handwriting can reveal about their personality traits, level of self-esteem, and other behaviors. Large Letters – Indicate that the writer is outgoing, sociable, and may like being the center of attention. Small Letters – Those with small writing are more likely to be shy and timid. Small writing is also an indicator of meticulousness and intense focus.

EMAIL PROFESSIONALISM

How to Ensure Clarity of Message and Quick Responses The ability to write a professional email is an important skill even if you are not working in a professional capacity. We are all bombarded with so many emails these days that it’s all too easy for them to be overlooked or trashed without a second thought. If you employ the following practices, your open and reply rate will increase. 1. Add a precise subject line 2. Start with a professional greeting 3. Keep it short and to the point. Close professionally 4. Proofread it twice

Kelly Duggan

Kelly is an Image Consultant specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette & communication skills. She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www.kellyduggan.com.