As a family we always make it a priority to eat dinner together. We are all busy throughout the day, and then we get the opportunity to connect and communicate with each other over food. This is a favorite way for most people to connect. As you can imagine this involves a lot of talking. Eight people around the dinner table creates a cacophony of voices.
It also provides an opportunity to teach our kids communication skills for daily life. Have you ever told your kids to deliver a message to another sibling and even though they repeat what you say word-for-word it comes out sounding so mean and nasty. Have you ever worked with someone who does the same thing? You don’t want to be around them. Or are you that person?
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Why we should Master Communications Skills for Momtrepreneurs
In this day and age of cancel culture and a demand that we all agree with each other. Good communication skills are a lost art. But if you have been doing business for any length of time it is imperative you know how to communicate well. This doesn’t mean you will be perfect, and with a wave of your magic wand everyone will understand exactly what you mean. Let me be honest with you, my husband and kids don’t always understand what I mean. But it is a skill that you can continue to improve on and get better at. As moms, we are master communicators.
For years now, there has been an urban legend that communication consists of content (7%), tone (38%), and non-verbal (55%). So 93% of communication has nothing to do with what we say. I’ve seen this is pre-marital counseling books, and I have taught it myself. But it is wrong.
In the 1960s, a UCLA professor did a limited study on communication. He found that if your body language and tone don’t match the words you are saying, then your message is going to be misunderstood. The data from his study has been taken out of context.
Despite the fact that this often taught legend has been debunked, body language and tone still make up a great deal of communication. The CIA, FBI, NSA, and other 3-letter agencies use body language to determine truthfulness or deception. (Source: Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo)
How do we get better communication skills for business? Since communication involves so much more than the words we say, there are few things we need to keep in mind.
3 Communication Skills for Consideration:
1. First Impression
We all make snap judgments about people based on our first impressions. The worst part about this, most people find it very difficult to change their first perception of people.
People create their first impressions based on what you wear, how you carry yourself, your tone, emotional state, and other factors. Basically, people make judgments about us all the time. These judgments are based in large part on the way we walk, talk, and look (Source: Talk Like TED)
Knowledge is power. Knowing how people perceive you and others, can give the skills you need to make a good first impression. Something as simple as dressing well and confidently. You know that pair of shoes that make you feel like a high-powered momtrepreneur. Build your entire outfit around them. If you carry yourself with confidence, you will start to feel more confident. And you will make a winning first impression.
A few other things you can do to make a winning first impression. Confidently know your material. Speak clearly and concisely. Make strong eye contact.
2. Body Language
Although we debunked the specific percentage breakdown, body language still plays an extremely important role in communication. Imagine someone looking deep into your eyes and quietly whispering the words “I love you.” You would probably believe that special someone. On the other hand, if someone is saying the same thing to you, but arms are crossed and there is no smile. You would probably doubt the words being said.
Your body language communicates to people if you are trustworthy, if you can handle the job or project, and if you are intelligent. Hand gestures, facial expressions, vocal tone, among others, influence how people perceive you.
What is your body language telegraphing to those you are speaking to? Is there anything you need to change? If you aren’t sure. Ask someone you trust to give you an honest assessment of how people may perceive you. Ask someone you know has your back, and wants to see you succeed. And then take the suggestions given to heart.
3. Confidence
Showing confidence projects credibility to others. It also makes a strong first impression. People are also more inclined to believe what you have to say when you speak with confidence.
Fortunately, this can be a learned characteristic. But you want to strike the balance between confidence and over-confident. Confidence definitely comes with time. As you achieve goals and success you will become more confident. This gives you more confidence to try something new because you have the credentials that you can do it. Even if it is something you’ve never done before. If you have a track record of succeeding at new challenges, then this will give you the confidence for the next new challenge.
On the other hand, overconfidence can lead you to feeling like a failure. If you don’t have a track record of accomplishing goals, then start small and build it up. I interviewed someone to work with me at one point in my career, and we did a test run on the job. Unfortunately, the applicant had overestimated her skill level, and I had to move her to a different position. It wasn’t personal, but she didn’t have the necessary skills. And it was a very difficult decision for both of us. My caution it to make sure you can back up your confidence with the skillset. If you don’t have the skillset, there is nothing stopping you from getting it.
Communication skills for business and personal are very important. The better your communication skills the more successful you will be. Are there any other areas of communication that aren’t covered? Share below, and let us know what you think.
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