Listen Up Folks

When evaluating my listening skills in Table 2.3 (EBC p.49) I realized I share many traits of an effective listener, when I want to. For example, in a classroom setting I will listen actively while maintaining frequent eye contact with the speaker. When needed, I take notes so that later I have something to jog my memory. Once my attention is directed away from the speaker I tend to quickly lose interest. I will remain distracted until I hear a word or phrase that I recognize then snap back into focus. My “Achilles Heel” is selective hearing. In a business setting this leads to lost opportunities, legal mistakes, and other errors.

Staying focused is where I need to make improvements. To overcome this barrier of effective listening I need to focus on the main message of the speaker and not be distracted by stylistic differences or supporting details. This can be achieved by mentally paraphrasing key points that will help maintain my attention and ensure understanding. A selective listener must eliminate potential distractions in order to keep focus. This includes silencing my cellphone and turning off my laptop/tablet. Though, in some situations you have no control over factors like poor acoustics. In this case I must learn to adapt to the situation. Effective listening skills are a great investment in oneself. Don’t sell yourself short because the effective listener will always have the upper hand.

Cut The Crap

We’ve all been there. Patiently awaiting some drawn-out powerpoint presentation to end, all the while trying to keep your attention ,as the presenter rambles off long wordy sentences about who knows what. Sadly, some of us are guilty too of making such halfhearted attempts at writing and speaking. Don’t blame yourself. Since grade school we’ve been taught to write under the constraints of page requirements and cookie cutter formats which in most cases does nothing but add unneeded fluff. In the reading,Size Matters, we’re taught to write/speak efficiently so that we can effectively hammer home our point without the use of bulk.

Effective speech and writing in the business world is key to success. Whether it’s a business proposition or breaking down complex ideas for clients to comprehend, how we speak can make or break a deal.

If you really want to leave a lasting impression, think short and sweet. Do not bore your audience to death with wordy uninteresting presentations. Short presentations that get to the point always pack the biggest punch. Within your presentation, make it flow by using short sentences with short words that are easy to comprehend. Depending on your audience, you want to engage them by speaking at their level. Leave your elaborate sentences and $5 words at home because they will only leave your audience uninterested.  Speak clear. Speak with energy. Make your audience interested in what you have to say. Master this concept and you’re sure to connect, convince, and make money.