I was recently re-reading an old Business Week article entitled The Great Communicators; which outlined some secrets of the worlds greatest business communicators. Effective communication is skill that we can all learn and polish; it’s about the ability to be persuasive, believable, inspirational, charismatic, authentic and overall magnetic.
We are all drawn to different styles of communicators; however the end result to effective communication is the same, the communicators were able to take us on a journey and make us like it. It doesn’t matter if you are a: SAHM, Pastor, CEO, Teacher, Politician, Worship Leader, Customer Service Rep., Leader, Coach… we can all learn from effective communicators. Here are 12 Tips from some of the world’s best business communicators and a bonus one from me:
- Jack Welch (Former CEO of General Electric)- Best communication asset: Simplicity Tip: Eliminate jargon.
- Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple)- Best communication asset: Charisma Tip: Create and articulate a bold vision.
- Meg Whitman (CEO of Ebay)- Best communication asset: Penchant for listening Tip: Seek feedback.
- John Chambers (CEO of Cisco Systems)- Best communication asset: Preparedness Tip: Review and rehearse your presentation.
- David Neeleman (CEO of JetBlue Airways)- Best communication asset: Talent for storytelling Tip: Tell tales that inspire.
- Howard Schultz (CEO of Starbucks)- Best communication asset: Passion Tip: Identify and share what you’re passionate about.
- Suze Orman (Author, TV Host)- Best communication asset: Clarity of expression Tip: Break down complex information into easy parts.
- Rudy Giuliani (Former NYC Mayor)- Best communication asset: Ability to make eye contact Tip: Spend 90% of the time looking at your audience.
- John Thompson(CEO of Symantec)- Best communication asset: Facileness with optimistic language Tip: Employ powerful and positive words.
- Klaus Kleinfeld (CEO of Siemens)- Best communication asset: Ability to reinvent Tip: Stay fresh, remain current.
- Larry Ellison (CEO of Oracle)- Best communication asset: Looking like a leader Tip: Pay attention to what your wardrobe says about you.
- Richard Branson (CEO of Virgin Group)- Best communication asset: Generosity with praise Tip: Lavish appropriate praise on employees, customers, and colleagues.
- Scott Williams (CEO of This Blog)- Best communication asset: Being yourself Tip: Don’t try to emulate or be someone else, people recognize a phony from a mile away. Do You! It’s a Statement… Not a Question!
Who are some of your favorite communicators and why? Do you have any additional tips to add?
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8 Comments Received
August 11th, 2009 @9:31 pm
Andy Stanley…because he breaks it down on practical and applicable level.
Tip: Pray, Prepare, and Practice
August 11th, 2009 @9:45 pm
OH MY GOSH! This is an excellent resource! Love it! I’d add this great communicator’s site that I’ve learned alot from and followed for some time: http://www.bertdecker.com/experience/
It’s a great resource for communicators.
August 11th, 2009 @9:46 pm
great work scott. thanks for being simple in helping communicators read this.
August 11th, 2009 @10:41 pm
Francis Chan (Senior Pastor Cornerstone Simi Valley) Best asset: pure raw emotional transparency. Tip: If you’re struggling or excited or passionate or broken or whatever, let it show in your voice and body language.
August 12th, 2009 @8:43 am
Jason – love the tips and especially the practice. however, prayer is SUPER DUPER important. but we don’t want to overlook practicing. My pastor is always hammering this home: PRACTICE. Yes ALLEN IVERSON – PRACTICE. Lol…
Let your day be filled with smiles and share a compliment or two today.
August 12th, 2009 @9:16 am
Andy Stanley and Jeanne Stevens because they both paint the picture so well.You feel like you’ve been on a journey without moving. Jeanne speaks out of her experience which eludes conviction and passion. http://www.soulcityblog.com
August 12th, 2009 @9:45 am
Incredible line up of speakers bro. I’d add:
T.D.Jakes(Potters House, Author, Pastor)- Passion and conviction ring through his teachings
Craig Groschel(Pastor of Lifechurch.tv, Author, Innovator)- Humor and truth expressed in simplicity.
All the comments so far have been awesome too, Prayer, Practice(Allen Iverson shout out..Holla) Good stuff. Be good to get a list of BAD communicators too and why they bore the snot out of us
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