Communications Overview
Part 2

Review

LISTEN

Listening is the most critical piece of effective communication.

ACTION ITEMS

Familiarize yourself with the way people interact with one another. From their speech and tone to verbal and non-verbal cues and their posture or mannerisms.

Observe & Adjust

“Reading the room” refers to paying attention to and understanding people’s moods, feelings, and attitudes in a particular social situation.

It involves being aware of the dynamics of a group or gathering and being able to adjust one’s behavior or communication style in response. This expression can be used in various settings, including business meetings, parties, and other social gatherings.

To “read the room,” someone might pay attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and group dynamics.

By “reading the room,” a person can get a sense of the group’s mood or attitudes and adjust their behavior or communication accordingly.

Who is in the room?

KNOWING YOUR AUDIENCE

·     End-Users or Customers

·     Co-Workers & Peers

·     Management

·     C-Level or VP’s

·     CEO

Tech to Non-Tech

·     Start by defining the term and explain its purpose in simple, easy-to-understand language.

·     Avoid using jargon or technical language that your audience may not be familiar
with.

·     Use examples or analogies to help your audience understand the concept. For example:

o  If you are explaining a technical term related to computer networking, you could use an analogy to explain it in terms of a highway system.

·     Break the concept down into smaller, more manageable pieces and explain each part separately. This can help your audience better understand the concept.

·     Use visual aids, such as diagrams or charts, to help illustrate the concept. This can be especially helpful if the technical term is related to a complex process or system.