I blinked and the decade was gone.
Here we are in a new year and a new decade. Consider the enormous changes we’ve experienced in the past 10 years. VCRs, fax machines, turntables, hard-wired phones, Sony walkmen, and clunky pagers are some of the communication vehicles and toys that have morphed into something else, or simply become obsolete.
How has your communication changed these past 10 years? What will the next 10 years look like?
Let’s start slowly, with 10 ways to transform your communication right now:
1. Simplify. Texting or 140 characters are great reminders that we need simplicity in communication is beneficial to all. It helps the speaker/writer distill key information for the recipient.
2. Think headlines. Without being a total dork, communicate in eight words that are relevant, punchy, and captivating.
3. Write for the reader. Have you noticed we exist in a turbulent world? Deliver your message with care and a willingness to help others. Your words can have a powerful impact on others. How cool is that?
4. Consider the platforms. Writing blog posts may be passé in a few years. There are new vehicles and mediums for the everyday Joe to reach millions of people. Discover what is available to you and what best fits your business, skills, and needs.
5. Remove the earbuds. If you truly want to alter your communication, get out of your own head. Listen to the sounds of the world around you, as annoying as they may be at times. Even if you don’t open your mouth, your nonverbal communication will be shouting.
6. Get in front of the camera. Video is hot this year, and isn’t going away anytime soon. Forget camera-shy or a bad hair day. Learn how to be comfortable in front of a basic flip-cam. It’s a huge opportunity for engagement. It’s no longer a medium that’s exclusive to Katie Couric or Anderson Cooper. We all have access to the same tools. These tools have power.
7. Tell the story. Develop your critical thinking skills by refining your written and verbal communication. Understand the importance of connecting to other human beings through the fine art of storytelling.
8. Use metaphors. Metaphors are extremely influential in business, sales, and leadership. They offer a simple analogy and image to others that they can immediately relate to. They evoke emotion. When used correctly, metaphors build consensus and bridge communication gaps.
9. List things. When writing, use bullet points; when speaking, go for numbers. This separates ideas and helps people to quickly “get it.” When talking to someone, try phrases such as, “There are three reasons we should amend the budget…” This mentally prepares listeners for what’s to come. It will also help you relate only concise and key information. “First, we need another public hearing on the budget. Second, the current proposal will force us to break a promise and raise taxes. Finally, we should rethink our emergency spending allocation.” Bang, bang, bang.
10. Consume carefully. Be selective with how you consume news and information. How do you share and communicate with people, both online and IRL? Mix it up a bit. Ipads, Kindles, Facebook, text messages, YouTube, and tweets shouldn’t be your only forms of communication and learning. The human factor can not be ignored. Oh, Skype doesn’t really count.
What would you add to this list?
P.S. I’m getting rave reviews from people who have signed up for my free, 21-day video series, “Speaking of Communication.” I invite you to access the series here. Become an ace communicator!
I have never been a great communicator, nor I ever really liked writing at all, but since I approached the social media world, and started blogging and using Twitter and co., these skills of mine really improved dramatically.
Not having english as my main language, it has improved a lot as well, and I think this is true for most people.
I believe new forms of communication helps you develop your skills, in a sort of improvement loop.
Dear Gabriele,
I like the “improvement loop” you mention. You’re right that social media can have a real impact on our writing and communication skills.
Thank you for your insights!
Best,
Susan
As a public relations student at the Cronkite School, we are being inundated every day with how, why, where and when to communicate.
But what I think is the most important aspect of communicating is being heard. With all the chatter out there that you can easily be lost in, it becomes harder to be heard.
Your list of communicating in this new decade is a great list to follow. It’s an exciting time to reach out of the conventional communication style (if you haven’t already!) and become a vehicle for your own word.
Hi Selena,
It’s refreshing to hear the opinion and experience of a student of PR. We’ve certainly witnessed significant changes in our communication and industry. “Become a vehicle for your own word.” Beautiful
))
Best of luck~
Susan
My favorite is #5 “Remove the Earbuds”- pulling yourself away from your computer and interacting with other individuals, even if you dont open your mouth, communicates a reminder of your presence in an organization. Not only this but you benefit as well by listening to others and learning what’s going on around you!
Communicating presence without opening your mouth—brilliant! Thank you for sharing!
Best,
Susan