Communication Checklist — from A to Z
A
Accuracy: Not everything you read on the internet is true. Make sure you are getting your information, facts, & statistics from credible sites. Double check — like the “first impression”, you only get one chance to establish your credibility.
B
Be Brief: Rule of thumb: the audience’s attention span and interest level for what you are saying is half of yours.
C
Clarity: Like Einstein famously said, “if you can’t explain it to a six year old you don’t understand it yourself.” Tweak your speech, or your writing until you get it right.
D
Defer a conversation or discussion if you find yourself getting emotional, angry or losing control. You might regret your words later.
E
Edit yourself brutally. Critique each word and paragraph, to come up with the best version.
F
Be Friendly. Most audiences are far more willing to pay attention to an amiable presenter — someone approachable — be that person.
G
Your greeting is important in a speech. This is your chance to grab your audience’s attention — spend some time on planning it well.
H
The most important tool to be a great communicator is the ability to use Hooks in writing and presentations. Ask a question, use humour, tell a story, use a dramatic fact. This is how you’ll keep your audience engaged and listening or reading for more!
I
Illustrate — give examples, show video clips to make your point stick.
J
Judging kills communication. Please don’t talk down to people — no matter how much of an expert you are.
K
KISS — Keep in short and simple.
L
Listen. There’s a reason we have two ears and one mouth — to listen twice as much as we speak.
M
Motivate people. People don’t want to be lectured to — they want to be inspired and motivated. Do that and you’re a successful communicator!
N
Non-Verbal Communication. Remember, the effectiveness of your communication depends 25% on the words you use, and 75% on your body language — Be mindful of your eye contact, tone, gestures, clothes, grooming, approachability.
O
Observe and learn from others. Imitation is the best form of flattery…
P
Pronunciation is important! The Australians might pronounce a word differently than the Americans. If in doubt — have visual aids for words that you might be pronouncing differently to make sure you don’t lose the audience.
Q
Be open to Questions from the audience — in fact invite them — interaction will get the audience more involved.
R
Record — watch & listen to yourself to make sure you look and sound exactly as you want to come across.
S
Smile. A smile wins over your audience before you say a word. It can even be heard over the phone.
T
Be Truthful. Honesty is always the best policy.
U
Communicate first to be understood — then to impress.
V
Improve your vocabulary by reading, reading, reading — everything you can get your hands on!
W
Use wholesome jokes, stories, examples — make sure you’re not being offensive to any segment of society.
X
Don’t be xenophobic — don’t be prejudiced or intolerant of anyone.
Y
People do not want to hear you endlessly drone on about yourself. Be knowledgeable about world events, current news, latest bestsellers, latest music, technology etc.
Z
Zzzz…If you aren’t connecting with your audience — adapt. Something as simple as changing your tone, or asking a question could get your audience back on your side.