Communication
[kuh-myoo-ni-key-shuh n]
1. the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions or information by speech, writing or signs.
2. something imparted, interchanged or transmitted.
Communication is more important now than ever before. As many meetings professionals continue to work from home, this may mean that conventional face-to-face conversations with your team members and colleagues are now happening virtually, and you may not be able to depend on the same nonverbal cues to get your message across. Effective communication ensures that not only is your message received, but that your intentions are also conveyed appropriately. In this Education Essentials, you'll learn how to communicate more effectively while working remotely, navigate difficult conversations, identify your communication style and more.
5 Tips for Becoming a Better Communicator
Being an effective communicator is a necessity in the meetings and events industry, especially during times like these. There is no time like the present to take a crash course and reflect on your communication practices. Regardless of your role within an organization, it is imperative that you represent yourself and your company in the best way possible. In this recent blog post, Jenna Jorge, President of Goodman Speakers, shares five tips for becoming a better communicator.
Working Remotely? Communication Matters!
As stay-at-home orders begin to ease, many of us are still maintaining social distance and working remotely. While adopting remote work can feel overwhelming at first, there are several strategies you can implement to make the transition as seamless as possible. Here are some tips to maintain effective communication skills from remote locations, which include proactively communicating with your team, scheduling daily huddles and incorporating new communication tools.
A Guide to Effective Communication
Communicating effectively is about more than just exchanging information. It's also about understanding the emotion and intentions behind that information. Learning how to communicate effectively will deepen your connections to others, build greater trust and respect, and improve teamwork. Check out this comprehensive guide that outlines the skills that will improve how you communicate with others. You'll learn how to become an engaged listener, pay attention to nonverbal signals and keep your stress in check.
Join this conversation in TheNetwork as FICP meetings professional members and hospitality partners discuss their recommendations for a team member struggling to provide feedback to a colleague.
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Most meetings professionals have experienced a difficult conversation at some point. While they're never easy, you need to ensure you're handling them with grace, professionalism and respect. Check out these tips from Forbes for making those conversations as productive and painless as possible. This requires you to be direct and specific, take some time to prepare for the conversation and plan it out in advance. It's also important to avoid negative language and offer a solution, when possible.
Reference this article for additional tips to follow when the need to hold a challenging conversation arises. The article suggests you understand the purpose of the conversation fully and that you're willing to listen to the other person.
For even more tips on handling difficult conversations, check out the presentation slides from Barbara Kay's 2020 FICP Winter Symposium session, Navigating Challenging Situations and Conversations with Ease.
Communication Styles: What's Yours?
Everyone has a particular style of communicating, and it comes with its strengths and weaknesses. How does your communication style compare to the styles of others? Check out this article for an in-depth look at the four styles of communication: Analytical, Intuitive, Functional and Personal. See which style resonates with you, and take the communication styles assessment to corroborate your intuition.
FICP Short: Avoid Communication Pitfalls
Watch the FICP Short below as Annette Gregg shares tips for improving your communication skills and avoiding communication pitfalls.
#TBT - Crucial Communication Skills
In a past FICP blog post, Sue Hershkowitz-Coore of SpeakerSue and author of Power Sales Writing and How to Say it To Sell It! shares five crucial communication skills. In a recent webinar, Sue joined Tom Foley (Atlantis Paradise), Holeigh Daniel (Aflac) and Brittany Boldizsar (Encore Boston Harbor) to share fresh ideas and practical tactics to initiate conversations and respond to tough questions. Catch the recording of Chain of Communication: Bridging Confidence and the Future of Meetings here.
Access Great Content Daily
Communicating with your FICP peers has never been easier with our new TheNetwork Know How video series! Check out the first installment that shares how you can search for meetings professional members and hospitality partners here.
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