We are well aware how critical communication is, in particular verbal communication. Words are powerful and carry plenty of weight. The weight is heavier when you are the leader. Tony Robbins stated, “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”

Verbal communication is about being clear in what you say when speaking to groups and/or individuals. Effective communication involves not just talking, but also carefully listening.

Here are some tips to follow to improve your verbal communication:
Make an effort to put yourself in the other person’s role and anticipate how your communication is likely to be received.
Always use more open-ended questions to gather feedback and opinions.
LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN SOME MORE.

Now let’s do some work. Grab a piece of paper and a pen, and evaluate yourself on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the highest), on the following statements:
I am clear in my enunciation, grammar, and word choice.
My tone, expression, and pace are in line with the intentions of my delivery.
I am aware of my body language and I use it appropriately.
I can convey my ideas in a concise and professional way.
I regularly demonstrate empathy.
I avoid excessive jargon.

I’ve shared my thoughts on verbal communication before, but a reminder never hurts. Communicating concisely with empathy and interest are just some of the essential ingredients that make up a strong leader.