Communication is Power
Persuasion is the backbone for business success. One needs to convince the customers to buy products/ services, convince investors to partner and support your ideas, to convince colleagues, seniors, and employees for a strategic plan or re-organization.
Most senior executives do not just convince but also inspire.
And they have mastered the art of persuasion. Persuasion can be achieved through effective communication. And effective communication is just a compelling narration away!
This is the age of information. We’re blessed to have opportunities to learn and access information with just a click. But, there’s a downside to it. According to a study done by the Telegraph, we consume information close to 174 pages of newspapers every single day. It may be different for all, but it is the truth that we are suffering from information overload. That’s why: This wealth is of no use if we don’t know… the art of effective communication!
Before being able to build a compelling story, it is essential to know that communicating data isn’t enough in every situation. But, narrating the facts with a cohesive vision is essential to be able to motivate people.
Let’s take a look at this story — Elephant in the Dark
- Otherwise known as Elephant and the Blind Men.
Once upon a time, there lived six blind men in a village. One day the villagers told them, “Hey, there is an elephant in the village today.” They had no idea what an elephant is. They decided, “Even though we would not be able to see it, let us go and explore more about this animal anyway.” All of them went where the elephant was.
The first man who touched the elephant’s leg said, “Hey, the elephant is a pillar”.
“Oh, no! it is like a rope,” said the second man who touched the tail.
“It is like a huge wall,” said the fifth man who touched the belly of the elephant. “It is like a solid pipe,” Said the sixth man who touched the tusk of the elephant. …
“Oh, no! it is like a thick branch of a tree,” said the third man who touched the trunk of the elephant. “It is like a big hand fan,” said the fourth man who touched the ear of the elephant.
Even though all the men were right, they could not grasp the complete picture. They would have benefited more, if only they shared their knowledge with each other.
The knowledge that you have will not benefit anyone unless you know how to make sense, narrate and communicate effectively.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to delivering effective communication -
- Know your audience
- Clearly define the communication goals
- Strategize to be effective
- Put an action plan in place
