1 Word That Improves Your Communication Skills
posted by Anna Mar, December 21, 2012Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.There's a single word that will help you improve your communication skills.
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Can you guess what it is? I'll give you a hint ... I've already written it three times in this article.
The word is "you". It's the most powerful word you can use to capture people's attention.
I'll explain the power of the word "you" in a moment. First some background.
People listen in different ways. People have fundamentally different interests. There are 4 types of people you'll need to communicate to:
1. Disengaged
Some people are completely disengaged. They're barely interested in anything at all. It's hard to get them excited about your ideas.There are no magic words that are likely to peak their interest.
2. People Focused
Some people are focused on people. They're interested in who you are and stories of personal experience. They are also interested in stories about famous people.They aren't particularly interested in abstract ideas.
The magic word that most appeals to people-focused individuals is "I".
Example
I went to the film festival party and I saw Brad Pitt.
I went to the film festival party and I saw Brad Pitt.
3. Self Focused
Self focused individuals are interested in ideas. However, they are only interested in ideas that directly affect them.They want to understand how an idea will impact their own lives.
The magic word that most appeals to self-focused individuals is "you".
Example
Your boss is more likely to notice you if you speak up in meetings.
Your boss is more likely to notice you if you speak up in meetings.
4. Idea Focused
Idea focused individuals are interested in ideas. They'll judge your message by its content and creativity.They want to understand the global or universal implications of ideas.
The magic word that appeals to idea-focused individuals is "we".
Example
We know that if we provide food education to families that we can improve their health and reduce health care expenditures.
We know that if we provide food education to families that we can improve their health and reduce health care expenditures.
Why "You" is Communication Magic
In any audience you'll have a mix of mindsets. People tend to be able to listen at one level up or one level down.
The magic of "you" is that it appeals to everyone except for the disengaged.
How "You" Can Improve Your Communication Skills
Listen carefully to motivational speakers and politicians you'll notice this communication strategy is widely used.My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.Try it, the next time you give a presentation — explain every idea by relating to how it will impact your audience.
~ John F. Kennedy
Use the word "you" as much as possible.
A Word of Caution
Theories about personality types are a useful way to explain communication strategies. In reality, individuals are too dynamic to be labeled.
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