For those of you who communicate to audiences of any size, here are some common traps to avoid…
1. Be absorbed in yourself and how interesting you think you are
2. Keep talking long after you’ve communicated your point (otherwise know as waffle)
3. Don’t have a point (otherwise known as BS)
4. Have 14 points (and 7 sub-points and 2 recaps, and then some more waffle)
5. Hope people will be equipped and motivated by your content even though you aren’t
6. Use clichés constantly (we all just LOVE clichés, don’t we?)
7. Ignore visual cues and verbal feedback that you’re missing the mark, because hey… you’ve got the microphone
8. Communicate only in the style that comes naturally to you (You are sure your audience will understand)
9. Say all the right words but in monotone, while slouching and avoiding eye contact (your audience nodding off is a sure give away)
10. Decide you’ve got nothing to learn about communication (sure, you know it all anyway)
Don’t be a bore like those you know. Know and love your content or discussion and above all have PASSION. Passion for what you are speaking about, and passion for those you are speaking to/with. Be a listener as well as a speaker – key to good communication.
Enjoy your presentation / meeting / coffee morning
Elaine