Verbal Communication
The way people express themselves has a lot to do with their personality. Do they tend to assess situations intuitively or analytically? Do they look forward more to the start of a new project than to its successful completion? Do they think long-term, or do they usually focus only on the next step? Do they handle chaotic situations well, or do they prefer structured, set routines?
Verbal communication reveals all of this and much more. And when two people don’t get along well, it’s often because they communicate using different systems. In other words: It’s often not about the issue itself, but about the way it’s communicated.
If you’re aware of your own patterns and can discern which systems your employees use to communicate, you can make a significant difference: On the one hand, you can verbally enter their world and communicate issues in a way that feels familiar to them. This fosters better understanding and a greater willingness to compromise. On the other hand, you can assign your employees tasks that suit them: for example, a lot of variety versus routine, or clear guidelines versus freedom to make decisions. You’ll then understand why some colleagues find it difficult to complete projects or write documentation.
You can find more information about the coaching process here.
Nonverbal Communication
Your posture, intonation, voice modulation, gestures, and facial expressions determine the impression you make. Do you come across as confident? Can you inspire (or reassure) others? Is your presentation authentic, and is what you say interesting?
Nonverbal cues have an even greater impact than the spoken word; accordingly, they are absolutely essential for ensuring that your presentation leaves a lasting impression, that conflicts are defused, and that your messages get across. This isn’t just about gestures that underscore what you’re saying. Rather, it’s about connecting with your audience where they are in their emotional state; positioning your statements in the room so you can easily bring them back to the audience’s attention with a simple gesture; or using your voice to signal dominance or approachability.
Nonverbal communication is included in every coaching session, but you can also receive targeted coaching in this area. You can find more information about the coaching process here.