COMMUNICATION BUILDING BLOCKS.

In communicating with any type of audience, there are 4 major building blocks that you need to consider. They are called building blocks because they need to be present in any tactful or smart communication.

Lets take a look at them:

1. PEOPLE: Who are your audience and what do they care about? Be sure to highlight key information, pay attention to how they respond and keep your message clear and simple by using layman terms. Think creative ways to get your audience engaged and fired up by your message.
2. MESSAGE: Ask yourself, what medium is the best to use to pass this message? What language and tone is appropriate? If you are passing a message to your company executives for example, you have to communicate a request in a text by using words like “Please” or “request” whereas if you were communicating with a subordinate you could use words like “ensure you…” or “unacceptable”. Use a medium that is relevant and familiar to your audience. Provide reasonable reasons for making a request (where the case may be) as this will answer your audience’s potential objections and keep them engaged.
3. CONTEXT: Be sensitive to where and when you deliver an Information, especially if it is fragile or important. Some information should only be delivered face to face and some can be passed in an email or via phone call. Identify the best means of communication available and use that.
4. LISTENING: Listening should not happen with your ears alone, your eyes and body language should show that you are paying attention and are present. Listening attentively builds rapport, trust and establishes good communications. Use re-affirming nonverbals like a head nod, to indicate that you’re following what the person is saying.

You can use these building blocks to prepare for presentations and for any situation where you need to communicate to influence people.