"In leadership, communication is not just a skill; it is an art. Mastering the art of communication enables leaders to inspire, influence, and create meaningful change."
As we know, leadership is an image and not a position. Therefore, a good communicator is one who contributes to the conversation in a positive way, listens, clarifies and then responds.
In order to learn the language of leadership, we need to communicate better. For this, we need to understand the three channels which we use for communication: Visual, Vocal and Verbal. Each channel has its unique characteristics and plays a crucial role in effective leadership communication. Let’s explore them more.
Visual Communication:
Have you noticed how some people seem more approachable than others, just by looking at them? That’s because their body language comes across as open and welcoming. Visual communication is what most people call body language.
This largely consists of:
Posture – the way you sit or stand or carry yourself.
Hand movements/gestures – using hand gestures and movements that are appropriate for the occasion.
Facial expressions – A smile or a frown reflects your emotions and that is what the audience sees.
Visual communication is also about your appearance and grooming. Dressing for the occasion usually makes you more comfortable and helps build rapport. After all, the first point of contact is what you see.
In leadership, visual communication is essential for creating a strong presence, establishing credibility, and conveying emotions or attitudes. Leaders can use visual cues to express confidence, empathy, and enthusiasm, which can inspire and influence their teams.
Vocal Communication:
Vocal communication takes into account how we sound. It’s how our subconscious mind interprets the data it has received based on the tone of voice. We usually decide the mood and sincerity of the speaker through this channel.
Vocal Communication consists of pitch, tone, emphasis, volume and pace. Together these form the voice modulation we use to give emotion and feeling to words that we use.
In leadership, vocal communication helps leaders express passion, conviction, and enthusiasm, which can inspire and engage their teams
Verbal Communication:
Basically, verbal communication is all about the words that you use – whether spoken or written to convey messages, ideas and instructions.
Leaders that communicate with clarity are better equipped to inspire, motivate, and align their teams towards shared goals.
A good leader utilizes all three channels in a complementary manner. Visual cues help reinforce verbal messages and provide additional context. Vocal delivery enhances the power and persuasiveness of spoken words, making them more engaging by appealing to the emotional mind.
When your visual, vocal and verbal communication conveys the same message you are in congruence. This congruence creates a strong foundation of trust and credibility which is essential for a leader to be a powerful force.
Varsha Samtani
EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATION COACH
Varsha is an executive communication coach whose specialty is working with leaders to improve performance and engagement through better communication.
She comes with a rich corporate experience of ten years of training in the field of communication. Varsha has worked with entrepreneurs, professionals, and senior managers and helped them advance in their careers by helping them overcome their limiting beliefs and scale greater heights. Her approach is highly personalized and her programs are customized to each client.
She is a qualified TEFL / TESOL trainer, Emotional Intelligence Coach, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Practitioner, Neuro-Linguistic Programming Practitioner and certified counsellor.
To know more about Varsha visit, www.thewinningimpression.com/about/
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