Build Your Face-to-Face Communication Skills

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Monday, July 6th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Having a face-to-conversation is one of the most natural acts we perform; yet, having an effective business conversation, person-to-person, can challenge our communication skills and knowledge.

Let’s look at some of the issues that affect our business conversations: giving and getting feedback through body language; monitoring voice tone and pitch; and the environment.

Most obviously perhaps, body language can give us critical insights into business conversations. How does the other person hold herself, how do her body positions change as the conversation goes through difficult subjects?

As the conversation progresses, watch for warning signs. Arms crossed over the chest is a classic sign of non-acceptance; in other words, she doesn’t like what you’re saying for some reason. Watch too for a hands on hips pose, which can indicate she plans to vigorously reject your position when it’s her turn to speak.

Similarly, voice tone can tell us when our message gains acceptance or faces rejection. A classic voice tone to watch is the rising voice, which can indicate tension, anger, or distress of some kind. If you get that kind of signal, it’s time to back off and wait for another opportunity.

Listen, too, for warmth and coolness. The implications of these tones require little explanation, but sometimes a reminder is helpful. Judge whether or not to proceed by the tone you’re hearing in response to your opening remarks.

Finally, the environment matters. For example, if the room is cold, then you know arms crossed over the chest may not be a sign of resistance; the other person may simply be trying to keep warm.

And, ask any salesperson about the differences offices make. In some offices salespeople feel at home and comfortably make their pitches; in others, they know they need to begin by breaking the communication chill the room induces.

Summing up, we’ve looked at three key areas for improving communication skills in face-to-face situations: body language, voice tone, and the environment. Adding expertise in your reading of these elements can make you more a more persuasive and more effective communicator.

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