Think back to your last significant communication...
How did you feel as you started speaking?
Did you feel in control, confident of your lines and excited to share your message?
Or perhaps you were running between back-to-back meetings, hadn’t had time to clear your head or review your script?
Have you ever felt like a talking head where you can’t connect to the words that are falling from your lips that someone else wrote for you and you are wondering exactly what you will say next?
Preparation is crucial. It needs to be done at a pace you are comfortable with. Some leaders like to write their own talking points and scripts then let someone else finesse and edit them. Others prefer to give a verbal download and let their communications guru craft the soundbites and stories. Others still prefer to be handed their full script and make minor edits.
Any of these scenarios can work if it is intentional. Your preparation will also depend on your confidence in your communications team and their ability to ‘get’ your voice and the voice of your company. This takes skill and ability to craft both the unique angle of the company while also infusing the leaders voice throughout.
The most crucial part of your preparation is blocking enough time in your calendar ahead of the event to allow for edits and revisions.
You can follow the Triple 30 rule for intentionally communicating at every level. If you follow these goals for each of the three 30s, you will calmly get your message across right before the event:
30 days prior: the purpose, audience, topics, and messages are clear.
30 hours prior: the details, logistics, and script are confirmed.
30 minutes prior: your free silent time to prepare.
This is the first of five strategies for communicating effectively with your team. You really need to... Prepare the precise words you will use.
The next four are in summary below and you can find the detail in my interview with the Association of MBAs Ambition Magazine here.
2 Create real and relevant content (a story of an executive getting a tattoo to get his message across on stage!)
3 Use the power of music (an idea you can use in your next meeting today)
4 Practice and refine your delivery (an uncomfortable tip you will love to hate)
5 Know where you are brilliant (a tool for you to evaluate where you are brilliant)
Had a chance to read my new book yet? I’d love to hear what your favorite part so far is!
Words That Work Communicate Your Purpose, Your Performance, and Your Profit. Now available at your favorite local bookstore to support your local small business. Or online at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Barnes & Noble, Target, Booktopia.au, Waterstones, Amazon.ca
Let me know if you want to order copies for your team or event and I can extend special offers and discounts to you.
Dedicated to growing your business,
Val
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