Good communication is everything in the promo world. You need to communicate clearly whether you’re leading a team meeting, giving feedback or making a pitch. If your message isn’t clear, people get confused and may tune out altogether. When you speak with purpose and keep it simple, people will listen. Teams will know what to do, clients will feel heard and everything just clicks.

Want to sharpen your communication skills? Read on. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight a post from the FranklinCovey blog that explains some communication strategies to help you lead with purpose and achieve lasting impact.

  1. Always be clear. Clear communication is the foundation of trust and execution in any team or organization, the post says. Clarity doesn’t happen by accident. It requires discipline and intention in every message.

  2. Prepare in advance. When you take time to prepare, you ensure that you prioritize the most important objectives before a conversation begins. This, according to the post, sets the stage for successful communication by creating the conditions in which clarity, confidence and influence can thrive.

  3. Be aware of nonverbal cues. Words convey content, the FranklinCovey post says, and nonverbal cues convey how that content is received. As you’re communicating, watch for cues delivered through gestures, posture, facial expressions and tone. It’s important to read the room and adapt in real time. For example, if you notice someone leaning back and crossing their arms, it may signal defensiveness or disengagement. You can adjust accordingly by pausing and asking thoughtful questions.

  4. Maintain the right tone. According to the FranklinCovey post, tone matters more than you think. This is because it determines whether your message is embraced or resisted. Remember that it’s not just what you say but how you say it. Pause throughout the day and ask yourself what tone you’re setting. This kind of real-time self-awareness is a hallmark of intentional leadership, the post says.

  5. Be an active listener. Effective listening is a rare and invaluable skill. As an active listener, you don’t just hear what the other person is saying but you engage with the content and the emotions behind the message. The FranklinCovey post says active listening helps build rapport and deepen connections. It also signals to others that their thoughts and feelings are valued.

Clear communication turns ideas into action and keeps everyone on the same page. Be genuine and pay attention to how people respond. When you show up with intention and keep your conversations real, you’ll build trust and avoid confusion.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: A blog post from FranklinCovey, a coaching company that provides training and assessment services.