One of the most common complaints heard today … specifically from leaders … is that they just don’t feel like they’re message is being heard.
Sounds more to me like “they believe they’re not really being listened to.”
No matter … let’s talk about some of the things that might deter people from listening … and what steps you can take to correct it.
But I digress for a moment …
According to experts, the majority of speakers tend to project our voices from the throat area. Voice coaches suggest it’s when you get your message to be projected deep (below breastbone), you reach maximum effectiveness. History (modern era) has shown the masses vote for political leaders who utilize this technique. Hence, we associate depth & weight … with power and authority.
Is there a quick & easy solution to boost “LISTENABILITY?”
The experts say “In order to enhance your LISTENABILITY all the more … you would all be wise to AVOID these seven deadly sins” …
AVOID:
GOSSIPING – (If someone is gossiping about someone TO you—suffice it to say—“What are they saying about you when YOU leave the room?”)
JUDGING – (Forming an opinion or conclusion about someone without really getting to know the person … or their position. Avoid confusing “confidence” with “arrogance.”)
NEGATIVITY – (Hard to listen when a leader finds the negative in everything. For example: You say “Glorious weather we’re having.” Their reply is “Yeah, but we need the rain … my grass is taking a beating … blah, blah, blah!)
COMPLAINING – Too much complaining about situations, circumstances and others is a cancer that ultimately promotes viral negativity.
EXCUSES – Specifically those that pass “blame” onto everyone else BUT themselves … My friend refers to these types as a “blamethrower.” The person who affects everyone in their path. I’m referring to the ones that don’t take responsibility for their actions.
LYING – That artform of exaggeration … unsubstantiated exaggeration demeans credibility and language.
DOGMATISM – Those people who confuse “facts” with their opinions.
Here’s four foundations to boost LISTENABILITY …
To help you remember, let’s use an acronym … HAIL. As in “greet or acclaim enthusiastically” … not the frozen, hard stuff that falls from the sky.
The properties of HAIL—when employed judiciously—will help your delivery and put you on a path to getting your message heard!
HONESTY … project your “true blue-ness,” practice being “tactfully straight and clear” … and employ tasteful humor when possible.
AUTHENTICITY … “Be yourself” … stand in truth. You don’t have to put on an “act” to impress anyone.
INTEGRITY … “BE your word … be someone you can trust.” Here’s where discretion comes in: it’s all about ACTIONS! And yet, INACTIONS can be just as powerful! Choose wisely.
LOVE … “wish people well—always … root for them.” When you really mean it, you’ll BLOW SOME MINDS!
By employing these tools, the next time you have something to share … like reading the phone book or reciting your ABC’s … your audience will jump at the chance and LISTEN!
One more thing …
To achieve insanely great results: always be prepared … measure your words … speak with enthusiasm … be deliberate … and always “sign off” on a high note.
Be blessed always!
Leave a Reply