Communication is an important skill for leaders. If they cannot communicate clearly, their message may be lost.
Inc. offers the following habits to avoid so you can effectively communicate your message.
- Sticking to the script. Despite putting a lot of time and thought into a presentation, leaders can get rattled when someone asks a question. As a result, they often respond by not answering the question and steering back to their prepared points. Practice going off-script and trust you can handle unexpected questions. If you do not have the necessary information, say you will do some research and get back to the person asking the question.
- Filler words and fear of silence. Many people are uncomfortable with silence, but trying to fill the void with “ums” and “uhs” can make leaders sound unconfident and nervous. If necessary, take time to collect your thoughts and prepare a response. Rather than believing silence signals a lack of knowledge, recognize it can communicate confidence and thoughtfulness. It also can offer the listener a brief break to process the information.
- Qualifying words and phrases. Filler phrases such as “in my opinion” and “I was thinking,” as well as qualifier words such as “sometimes,” “just,” and “sort of,” can weaken a message. Be aware of whether you use such phrases and words and replace them with more direct, specific language. Be sure to also avoid apologies, such as, “I'm not the expert, but …,” which can diminish your credibility.
- Incongruence. The content of a leader’s words should match his or her nonverbal communication to avoid confusing the audience. For example, you would not smile while talking about a difficult experience. Ask a friend or colleague for feedback regarding whether your vocal tone and delivery, facial expressions and body language align and support the content of your message.
