“Being a conversational chameleon allows you to do that. One day I may be speaking to the CEO of a global company and the next to my four-year-old nephew. Just as you would not talk to your eighty-year-old grandmother the same way you would talk to a twenty-three-year-old co-worker, adapt your own behavior to the person with whom you are speaking.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Understanding Personality Styles Helps You:
• Communicate more easily with others by understanding their perspectives.
• Adapt your behavior to resonate with others.
• Develop deeper levels of compassion, patience, and communication.
• Deliver personalized customer service.
• Build trust and rapport faster.
• Nurture existing relationships.
• Make more sales.
• Feel more confident networking.
• Realize that people behave the way they do for their reasons, not yours.
• Appreciate the diversity of teammates, family members, friends, and work groups.
• Unify your teams and get the best out of your people by focusing on their strengths, aligning their styles with their assigned positions, and knowing how to motivate and reward them.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Effective communication requires an elevated level of self-awareness, and desire to understand and appreciate one another.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“As you move forward in life, seek to build upon your understanding of our communication and personality differences so that you are well-prepared to arrive and thrive in your first (and lasting) impressions.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Gift of Gab
She continued by saying, “Many people dismiss small talk as being a waste of time. If you think small talk is not worthy of your time you are making a big mistake. It is actually one of the best ways for you to get to know someone. Don’t be afraid to share a little bit about yourself so that you give another person enough information to ask questions. Small talk is the biggest talk we do.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“My man Daniel sees twenty patients a day, many of whom he has never met before their appointment. With only fifteen to twenty minutes to spare, he has no choice but to use the gift of gab to connect quickly. He said, “Small talk is easier than big talk, especially with someone you do not know. It is an easy stepping stone to help you break the silence for more comfortable conversation. This initial form of communication opens the door for big talk.” Find ways to start small talk with new people and they will be impressed by your friendly disposition and sincere interest.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung (1875-1961) first introduced the concept of "synchronicity" to describe the meaningful coincidences which occur in our lives and connect us all in our humanity.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The synchronicity found in nature extends to the rhythm and patterns in our relationships; it explains how random events can come together to achieve harmony, flow, and order. Similarly, social synchronicity plays a large role in the art of constructive communication by helping us understand how social patterns can positively impact our relationships.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Groundbreaking research at Cal Tech has now revealed that humans not only tend to synchronize their movements, such as clapping in unison or walking at the same pace, but they also synchronize their social interactions as well.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The gracious timing of social synchronicity helps the sender’s message align and resonate with the receiver’s ability to recognize, receive, comprehend, and appreciate the intended message. When the sender and receiver are “in sync,” the clarity and synergy created are powerful and affirming.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Being “out of sync” happens all the time . . .
• Have you ever begun a discussion when the timing was not right and your message was subsequently rejected?
• Have you ever said the right thing at the wrong time and ended up looking stupid or inappropriate?
• Or perhaps rather than having a positive or a negative effect, your message fell on deaf ears and had no effect at all?
• Has your poor timing ever resulted in social awkwardness, humiliating rejection, or alienation?
• Has anyone ever attempted a serious discussion with you in the middle of your day when you were overwhelmed by phone calls, emails, and appointments?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Knowing when to say something is as important as knowing what or what not to say. You may have the perfect message, but it can be negated by imperfect timing.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Being “out of sync” can be exasperating. Seek to synchronize to increase your chances for success and positive outcomes. Just because your timing is good for you does not mean it is a good time for another person.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Finding the right time is like discovering a social portal which opens a gate for others to receive your message and "get you." You only get one chance to make a first impression and if the gate begins to close, you may never get another opportunity to walk through it. Watch for the openings and synchronize your movements with your intended recipient.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“All in Good Time. The ancient Buddhist saying shares, “When the student is ready, the master will appear.” When the timing is right, lessons are learned and miracles can happen. However, when the timing is “out of sync,” even the best of intentions can be met with resistance.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Eloquent speakers, communication experts, seasoned actors, and musicians all understand the transforming power of the pause. They know all too well that strategic silence and a well-placed whisper can speak louder than words in delivering a memorable presentation. It captures people's attention . . . creating eager anticipation for your next words.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“I love to read. However, there have been times when certain books did not resonate with me because the timing was off kilter. Their lessons fell flat because their messages were not pertinent, relevant, or interesting to me at the time. Then, when I would re-read the same book years later, it could rock my world and change my life for the better. The message was more in alignment with where I was at that moment in time. With most anything, just because your timing may not be good now, does not mean it won’t be better later.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“5 Reasons to Develop the Power of the Pause. It . . .
1. encourages your communication partner to express their thoughts without interruption.
2. provides a moment of silence to calm incessant talking.
3. allows time for your brain to catch up with our mouth.
4. provides your listener with space to process your message.
5. highlights important points for your message to have more impact.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Getting into Sync
People feel the most comfortable with and gravitate more quickly to the people with whom they are the most alike. You will receive your best results by seeking first to understand and then to adjust your energy, movements, posture, words, gestures, and behaviors to synchronize with theirs. This alignment will build a sense of rapport and commonality which will help your conversations progress smoothly and more successfully.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Free Flowing Dialogue
“Have you ever been engaged in a conversation which was so dynamic that you were both firing on all cylinders, in perfect harmony and at warp speed?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Rhythm of Relationships
It’s not a mystery that there are certain people with whom we "click" and others with whom we don’t. In the movie, Forrest Gump, Forrest proclaimed that he and Jenny got along like "peas and carrots." I once heard Tony Robbins say that if you are with the right person, a relationship does not take a lot of work. When relationships are in rhythm, everything is made easier.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Social synchronicity will help you stay open-minded regarding coincidence and serendipity. It is worth considering whether people are showing up in your life for a purpose or by accident.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“ASK YOURSELF:
• Have you pondered a question and someone ironically shows up with the answers?
• Have you ever been thinking of a friend and within moments they mysteriously call or come by?
• How many times have you seen a meaningful relationship start because the right people were in the right place at the right time for the right opportunity?”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“These "God Winks" may be an answer to prayer, a warning to change course, or a reward for doing things right. Become mindful and aware of how these cosmic puzzle pieces come together to enrich your life and your relationships. It is both affirming and entertaining to consider. Be open and grateful.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Bull in a China Shop
The metaphor “bull in a china shop” appropriately describes how a clumsy (or socially awkward) person can sometimes find themselves in a quite delicate position. Have you ever been in a social situation where it was prudent to bite your tongue, smile and nod, choose your words carefully, or remain silent all together? One in which, if you didn’t—it could cause damage?”
“You can be a bull. And you can be in the china shop. But, just don’t break anything! Even the biggest, baddest, most boorish bull can skate carefully through a china shop with dignity and grace if he exercises mindfulness and consideration.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Delicious Dialogue
“We’ve all known the proverbial conversation hog who dominates a discussion and pays little notice to another person’s input. They’re so busy talking about themselves, we can barely slide a word in edgewise. Don’t be that guy!”
“An engaging conversation is a two-way street. Learn to delight in dialogue to ensure mutual respect and consideration.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“We’ve all known the proverbial conversation hog who dominates a discussion and pays little notice to another person’s input. They’re so busy talking about themselves, we can barely slide a word in edgewise. Don’t be that guy!”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“An engaging conversation is a two-way street. Learn to delight in dialogue to ensure mutual respect and consideration.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Mindful Awareness.
Be fully involved in the moment—right now! Developing this ability instills a sixth sense for navigating connections. Be intentional and thoughtful; listen and care.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Conversation Starters.
Your first words will not only shape your first impression, but they can create amazing connections, lead you to your dream job, or help you discover a new best friend.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Active Listening.
Practice this skill. You enhance communication; this confirms that the message another conveys is well received and thoroughly understood. You get it!”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Voice Value. Your voice makes a first impression. Is your voice coming across as smart, friendly, and positive or ignorant, rude, and negative? The way you deliver the words is your “vocal image.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Use Names.
Calling a person by name makes him/her feel recognized, appreciated, and special. It shows respect and that you are genuinely interested in making a connection. You make them feel remembered!”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Wise with Your Words.
Speak words that support your highest good. Are your thoughts building you up or tearing you down? Notice the quality of your words—your best first impressions ride on them.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Being 100 percent in the moment and focusing on the person you’re with is one of the finest compliments you can offer. One of the most respectful and considerate things you can do for another is to truly be with them in the here and now.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Just be Nice. Nice—this little word has a big meaning. Use it generously. Being nice helps people feel emotionally safe, allowing for more authentic, trusting, and happy interactions.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Be Brave. Bravery takes fortitude—put yourself on the line, even if you risk failing, falling, being embarrassed, or looking stupid—if being brave were easy, more people would be. Just try it!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Take the Initiative. Be proactive. If you want to rock your relationship results, it is going to take action, effort, initiative, and choosing to get in the game—so, step up, step out, and show up!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“When you begin conversations with confidence and listen attentively, you will become more flexible and adaptable in most any situation.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“When you are "off somewhere else" people notice. Have you found yourself in conversations in which you’re so concerned about what you are going to say next, that you don’t even hear what the other person is saying? Guilty as charged, right?”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“A lack of engagement sends the message that you may not care, are not interested, are too busy, or that the other person does not matter to you. Even though this is rarely your intention, it can happen when you’re not being mindful and deliberate to connect in the moment.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Employee Engagement
“Employee Engagement” has become a very hot topic in recent years. The escalating statistics for disengagement are alarming. In 2015, the Gallup Polls’ “The State of the American Workforce” survey found that only 32.5 percent of the U.S. Workforce is engaged and committed where they work, and 54 percent say they would consider leaving their companies if they could receive a 20 percent raise elsewhere. Disengagement not only lowers performance, morale, and productivity, but it’s costing employers billions of dollars a year. It's a growing problem, which has many companies baffled.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Why is this disengagement epidemic becoming the new norm? A few reasons I have witnessed in speaking with companies across the country include . . .
• Information overload
• Distractions
• Stress/overwhelmed
• Apathy/detachment
• Short attention span
• Fear, worry, anxiety
• Rapidly changing technology
• Entitlement
• Poor leadership
• Preoccupation
• Social media
• Interruptions
• Multitasking
• Budget cuts
• Exhaustion
• Boredom
• Conflict
• Social insecurity
• Lack of longevity
These challenges not only create separation and work dysfunction, but we are seeing it happen in relationships and personal interactions.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“When you are fully present and engaged in your workplace, you will demonstrate that you care about the success of your organization, are a team player, have a can-do attitude, and will go the extra mile to fulfill and exceed expectations.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“These qualities make a great impression on your boss, your teams, and your customers. You will be more respected, noticed, and appreciated in the process.
As your own "CEO of Self," projecting this positive level of engagement furthers your own personal reputation and interests for healthy communication, networking, and positive first impressions. An added bonus is that YOU will receive great benefits from putting forth this type of effort. Whether it be self-esteem, new training, cooperation, experience, or a raise or bonus, the rewards are extensive and many.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“11 Ways to Be More Engaged
1. Care about others.
2. Be 100 percent in the moment.
3. Keep focus on the person you are serving.
4. Try to get involved, engaged, and interactive.
5. Show interest in what matters to other people by listening, acknowledging, and responding.
6. Arrive in the moment anticipating creating a valuable interaction for yourself and others.
7. Move towards the things that inspire you and provide a sense of joy and connection.
8. Reconnect with the essence of yourself and be grounded in that essential relationship.
9. Maintain eye contact and deliver the non-verbal cues that you are fully with the other person.
10. Limit distractions— close the door, silence your phone, hold calls, put tasks aside, etc.
11. Show up to the moment being your best and giving your best.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Manners Matter. Courteous behavior is the hallmark of healthy relations and human interaction. Manners ensure you will be more respected, admired, and appreciated. Thank you!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Polish the Gold. Be an optimist; look for the best in others, the best in situations, and focus on what is working rather than what is not. It's golden!”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Service Beyond Self. Value others; have a heart of service and generosity. Rise above self-interest. Ask what you can do for others, not what they can do for you.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact
“Mix, Mingle, Glow. Stretch beyond your own comfort zone to speak with, sit with, and start conversations with people whom you do not know. Take the initiative to help other people capture the spotlight and shine.”
Source: The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact