Perfect Pitch: It's All About We

Oral communication skills -- talking! -- are the most important elements of any enterprise, mostly because so many people have a hard time dealing with the people around them. They don’t see an incentive for that. They’re always asking, “What’s in it for me?” That’s why getting others to do what you want is all about getting them to think it’s what they want. They need to feel they’re doing something for themselves. Here a few things you can offer toward meeting that need.

Flexibility is a key. How well you do you go with the flow? How capable are you of making new plans when an unforeseen problem calls for a change of direction? Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare for this. When you’re trying something for the first time or working with new people, If you need some help with this, make an effort to concentrate on always make plans for several possible outcomes.

Decisiveness is also important, especially if you’re a team leader or a manager. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that the most important decisions are also the hard decisions. (Whose idea was that?!) You must be willing to take bold action in whatever way you think will be best. Needless to say, there’s no guarantee that everyone will agree you made the right decision. But dealing with that is just another communication skill.

Punctuality: Develop a reputation for being on time and you will earn the respect of other organized professionals. Especially in meetings, when others arrive on time they will expect you to be prompt too. Nothing is more frustrating in a meeting than waiting for a tardy participant.

Consideration: Always take the time to greet people with a friendly, personal greeting. You’ll have a chance to do this right if you arrive a little early to meetings so you can greet others as they arrive.

Deference: In your home or office, you are responsible for making everyone comfortable and productive. On someone else’s territory, you should step back and allow them to set the tone.

Appearance: Whether a specific setting calls for formal business attire or casual dress, you should do your best to fit in. If professional attire is expected, you should wear it. If you’re coming in from a job site or a bull riding competition, take a few moments to dust off and look presentable.

Attention: You should listen at least twice as much as you talk. Ask three questions in a conversation before you volunteer information about yourself.

Etiquette: At the beginning of a meeting or social gathering, be sure that everyone has been properly introduced. At the end, don’t rush out in a hurry as if you can’t wait to get away as fast as possible – even if you really can’t wait!