Dec 17, 2009 - HBA Mid-Atlantic Chapter - It’s All in How You Say It: How to Make Every Interaction a World-Class Presentation

HBA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Webinar

It’s All in How You Say It:
How to Make Every Interaction a World-Class Presentation

These days you have probably heard enough times that the health care industry is changing, the economy is making our jobs vulnerable and health care reform is the great unknown. As those fears and uncertainties settled in, it is important to remember that scary economy or not, there is always reason to sharpen your skills to ensure that you’re presenting yourself in the best light for opportunities that come your way.

Karen Friedman is an international communications coach who has taught healthcare professionals, key opinion leaders and spokespeople on four continents how to excel in meetings, presentations, media interviews and appearances. www.karenfriedman.com

There is an old adage that “it is not what you say, it is how you say it”. Turns out, it is not just good advice. Researchers have proven that more than 50 percent of communication is nonverbal. So much of communication and leadership in particular, is about body language and the style in which we choose to communicate.

Earlier this year, the Mid-Atlantic chapter offered a webinar called “Tough Talk,” presented by Karen Friedman, a professional communications coach who spent more than two decades as a television reporter and anchor. Whether you are a budding executive or looking to stand out among your peers in the job hunt or daily grind, the program had some great insights for “stepping up your game” as a communicator. Karen has some great advice that comes from her years both in front of and behind the TV cameras. So, we went back to her with some questions that serve as a practical reminder for how you can make some adjustments to your style that will pay major dividends with your colleagues and potential new employers.

Most of Karen’s advice is very easy to incorporate into your everyday communications, provided you have some self-awareness of your current habits and are willing to practice incorporating these new techniques. As you continue on your path to leadership, these pointers can also be helpful tools to share with those you manage to build their skills and visibility.

• How can strong communications skills, “Tough Talk,” come in handy during these challenging times of downsizing, reorganization and job hunting?
  
  In today’s business world, employees and customers alike are clamoring for authenticity and direct, honest communication. In the absence of information, rumors take over and are embellished to fill in the blanks that aren’t being communicated. If you want to earn trust and respect, then communicating openly and honestly in good times and bad must be as deliberate and consistent as brushing your teeth.

• What advice would you give to women who want to improve their communication skills in tough times, whether to land a job or keep the one they have?
  
  Toss out the tentative phrases and disclaimers that make you come across as wishy-washy or unsure of yourself. Replace passive phrases like “it seems” or “I think” with phrases like “I am committed” and “I know” so others see you as someone who really does believe in what you’re saying.

• Is there any advice you have, specifically for women, who want to be stronger communicators?
  
  Be your own cheerleader. Women frequently hesitate to take credit. Self-promotion is not bragging. It’s taking ownership and credit for your hard work so people notice you especially when you have contributed to a project’s success.

• Do you think people put enough emphasis or thought into the way they communicate?
  
  Not always. I advise people to think about the key points they want to deliver before they speak. This is particularly important when communicating within cross-disciplinary teams in your organization. If you can’t articulate what’s in it for them and why they should care in the first few seconds, you’re tuning them out. If the fire alarm went off and everyone had to leave the room right as you started speaking, what one thing could you say that must be heard?

• What piece of wisdom would you share with HBA members to make us more effective communicators?
  
  Keep it simple. In today’s world of complex communication coming at you at a dizzying pace, simplicity is more important than ever. The simpler you keep it, the more you stand out.

This was the first year for the HBA Mid-Atlantic Chapter to offer remote programs to our members and based on your participation they were a huge success! Look for more exciting programs in 2010 that are designed to help you enhance your leadership and networking skills. If you have ideas for a remote program that you’d like to attend in the future, please email sbtappouni@yahoo.com.