Communicating for influence and impact

we communicate the bioeconomy so influence and make an impact

At a time of increasing global uncertainty and changing patterns to consume information, it has never been more relevant to consolidate a communication skill set and strategy to lead with influence and impact. You can have the greatest idea in the world, but if you can’t persuade anyone else to follow your vision, your influence and impact will fade.

Inspiring and motivating others requires persuasive and effective communication. And, though, current communication-related technologies can help us make smart choices and offer ample resources and tools for message resonance, personalized engagement and creating unique audience experiences, luckily, we will always have face-to-face communication.

Communicating persuasively and effectively with stakeholders will help you achieve meaningful change. And that’s why communication is no longer considered a “soft skill” among the world’s top business leaders. Instead, they study the art in all its forms — listening, writing, speaking, presenting — and constantly strive to improve on those skills. 

Active and Effective Listening 
Active listening is a communication skill that involves going beyond simply hearing the words that someone speaks. It involves seeking to understand the meaning, sincerity, complexities, and intent behind those words.

Active listening requires being an active participant in the communication process. This means that you engage with your conversation partner in a clear, positive and constructive way, getting prepared to answer questions and offer support, if needed. Experiencing the conversation with an open mind will help you scout and create the appropriate conditions and context to pitch your message and therefore communicate effectively with your audience. 

Compelling Writing 
Writing is a key communication tool that applies to nearly every field. Working on your writing skills will help you communicate succinctly and effectively with your audience so that your message can be understood and appreciated.

Writing skills don’t just include the physical act of writing. Skills like research, planning and outlining, editing, revising, spelling and grammar, and organization are critical components of the writing process. Setting a clear tone, checking your fluency, conciseness, inclusiveness and word choice are necessary if you want to be clear and straightforward. 

Public speaking
In today’s world of countless meetings, presentations, conferences and networking events, public speaking is a necessary communication skill. Public speaking as a skill in effective communication requires a lot of practice in order to improve body language, voice projections, articulation and speech structure.

However, it takes a lot more than that to engage with your audience effectively. Grabbing the attention of your audience with a powerful opening, organizing a logical flow to your speech, preparing examples that are relevant to the experience of your audience or emphasizing critical points at the end of a speech are only a handful of skills that can turn you into a powerful and effective presenter.

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