Communication – The Power of Speaking

By Gail Solish, Personal/Executive Coach

There are two major components of communication, speaking and listening.  In this article we will concentrate on the speaking portion.  Language is powerful as it spreads ideas, solves problems, makes requests, reveals an individual’s attitudes and beliefs and influences others.  When you think about speeches or presentations you have heard, what made the speaker good or not?  What did the speaker say that created a powerful message and how did he or she say it?  Consider some of the teachers you have had.  How did the teachers who most strongly influenced you, speak?  How did they convey their ideas so that you could hear them? 

There is power in the language you use and in the way that you say things. In today’s work environment which is multicultural, multigenerational and gender neutral, it is important to be mindful of the impact of your words on others.  There can be misunderstandings about the meaning of particular words, slang expressions or idioms.    The intent of what is being said and how it is being said can be different depending on your cultural background.  As we live a multicultural world it is important to be mindful and aware of how people are responding to what you have said.

The same can be true of different generations.  There may be the assumption that everyone’s understanding is the same but in fact that may not be accurate. As the speaker, it is important to check and make sure that everyone is understanding and invite questions for clarification.

People in various industries often have their own expressions or slang which is understood by those in the industry but not by outsiders.  Developing an awareness of the context and environment and using language which invites inclusion contributes to positive business relationships.  So for example when marketing experts are speaking to potential clients who are novices about marketing, they need to use language which is understood and offer explanations about terms which might be unfamiliar to their audience.

There are many things to consider when speaking.  The context is important.  Is it a 1:1 conversation, a team meeting, a presentation for a potential client or a speech?  What message are you trying to convey and what outcome are you hoping to achieve? 

So let’s break this down into 3 areas:  giving a presentation or speech, speaking within a team meeting and 1:1 conversations.

Presentation or A Speech.

Often a presenter will start off with a joke or story as a way of engaging the audience.  In this forum it is much harder to have direct conversations but you want to make sure that people are understanding what you are saying.  Generally time is built in for questions.   This is an opportunity for the speaker to clarify and/or elaborate.  Repeating the question to make sure you are clear on what is being asked and then answering respectfully.
Team Meetings

How your meetings are organized, the degree of informality which is acceptable and the type of language that is used is decided by the people involved.  However the bottom line is most businesses want the desired outcome to be goal achievement.  Acknowledging people’s contributions publicly is an important way to build cooperation and rapport.  Lively discussion and brainstorming is a useful tool for developing and implementing ideas. All ideas should be invited before decisions are made.  Put downs, sarcasm and disrespect are all unacceptable way of speaking.

1:1 Conversations 

In the business world as it presently exists there is often not time available for 1:1 conversations.  However sometimes it is a necessity.  When a manager needs to have a difficult conversation with an employee it has to be done privately and respectfully.  The way that you speak, both the words you say and the tone you use, may well determines the outcome.  If you use language that blames such “You don’t …or why can’t you…” the other person could become defensive and possibly stop listening.  It is important to say things in a way which invites the other person to be involved in the conversation.  One suggestion might be, “could we figure out how to do this more efficiently?”  The use of the word “we” invites collaboration.

Here are a few suggestions for enhancing your speaking skills.

• Make sure that your language is clear and understood by your audience.
• Be aware of your voice tone.
• Speak respectfully.
• Don’t use language of blame.

It is important to be open to feedback about the way you talk with others.  Consider what people tell you and implement what might be helpful.

Copyright © 2009 by Gail Solish.  All rights reserved.

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About the Author

Gail Solish, MSW, RSW provides Executive/Personal coaching to managers, directors and executives focused on workplace development and relationship management. Claim your FR-EE e-course “Unleash Your Potential and Increase Productivity and Fulfillment” at http://www.ActualizeYourGoals.com or contact Gail at 416-322-0029.