Communicating Strategically

Question 1

impactful” communication

Answer 1

An understanding of the audience’s needs and perspectives.

A clear message.

Effective delivery.

Question 2

Effectively framing the message requires clarity and explanation.

Answer 2

Articulating the objective and desired outcome of the communication.

Identifying the benefit to the audience.

Identifying the key points of the message and sequencing them in a logical manner.

Providing an explanation of and evidence for each point that helps the audience see these facts in the desired frame.

Ensuring that the message clearly reflects and is consistent with the organization’s brand and goals.

Question 3

Impactful communicators

Answer 3

use their words, their bodies, and their voices as an element of the message. This includes:

Posture and movement—maintaining an erect but relaxed posture, moving slowly, following and mirroring the posture of audience members if appropriate.

Gesture—using hand movements to emphasize key points but not overusing gestures or using them at the wrong time.

Eye contact—establishing soft (not piercing) contact with the eyes of audience members, shifting gaze slowly to include all members of the audience (not picking one spot or person to engage, not letting the gaze dart nervously about the room).

Vocal qualities—speaking clearly, loudly enough to be heard, and at a reasonable speed. Varying speed and volume in a way that supports the message can avoid creating tedium.

Question 4

Signs of effective communication

Answer 4

High levels of engagement reported in employee surveys.

High levels of retention.

Positive comments on the organization’s social media channels.

Effectiveness of teams in meeting their commitments and department budgets and schedules.

High levels of collaboration.