The futuristic gadgets and modes of communication that we saw decades ago on Star Trek and The Jetsons are now here!
What hasn’t changed over time is that we still crave connection with other human beings. However, with so many technical innovations at our fingertips, the lag time between acceptable communication has become shorter and shorter. The pressure to keep up with the speed of our devices not only contributes to stress, it can diminish the clarity of our communication.
Here’s the challenge: We must be really clear—really quickly, and remain present, authentic, and approachable.
These are the questions to keep in mind: How do we adapt our communication skills to meet expectations? And how do we prepare for the inevitable changes ahead?
The solution: Make sure you are applying the following three big ideas.
- Authenticity and ownership of your speech and its delivery
There’s that first buzzword: authenticity. Why is it so important? Because authenticity in communication, in public speaking, and in relationships means that you are making a connection.
Hopefully, you have been to an event where the keynote speaker was able to draw you in with the first word. And then he/she kept you engaged until the final phrase. This happens when someone is fully present, truthful, and vulnerable with the material, message, and themselves.
Surprisingly, it’s not only someone who knows you well that can tell when you aren’t being yourself, are covering something up, or are hiding the truth. Colleagues and clients can tell when you are off your game or not being your authentic self, and that can cause misunderstanding, miscommunication, and a lack of credibility.
Conversely, authenticity and accountability signal the intuitive part of our brain to respond positively to the speaker. This builds trust and keeps you looped in.
- Vocal vulnerability and agility
In this fast-paced world of ever-changing technology, connection—and disconnection—have a symbiotic relationship.
Consider teleconferences and webinars, which have created an environment where people from all over the world can share in a common experience at the same time. Conversely, all of those people are not always able to experience a speaker’s energy through these long-distance modes of communication. People can’t see a smile or experience a handshake.
To enable your personality, energy, and demeanor to translate properly, be sure to use clear, honest messaging. Also be aware that the tone of your voice will need attention in order to move the audience beyond the visual gap.
- Adaptability and improvisation
Who really knows what’s going to happen next? Since most of us can’t predict the future, we must remain adaptable to the constantly changing communication landscape. So if your presentation projector doesn’t work, or the video goes out at a videoconference, be ready to adapt and remain present.
Despite the progress that will continue to be made on the technical side, be thinking about how to make the human connection with your audience. In the future, common courtesies will be even more important since we will probably see each other only briefly. Today and in the future, we must be nimble and flexible and remain open to doing familiar things differently.
ARTiculate: Real & Clear is committed to authentic, connected voice, and adaptable communication, now and into the future. Now, off to get our jetpacks.
This article was originally posted on BeInkandescent.com in August 2014.
