5 Communication Triggers That Will Help You Get Your Message Across
Dear reader, I know you are smart. I know that you know your stuff and when you have a message to give people you want them to listen. You have experience and insights that they could benefit from. I also know that too often – they don’t listen.
I want to make it easier for you to get heard. A wealth of research and 20 years of application in my work as a communication Facilitator and coach back these five simple steps.
Communication is a two-way exchange. Our brains need certain factors to be in place before we give buy in. This is like a Go/No-Go system in your brain. Get it right and I am in an open, creative mindset where I have empathy and energy. Get it wrong and everything you say comes across as a threat.
There are 5 trigger areas that will mean the difference between them being with you or against you. Give them the Recognition they need, show how you are Connected and aligned, be Consistent and predictable, be Fair and give them Freedom and choices.
When you try to influence someone their brain asks a few questions before it gives permission. So you need to ask your self if you have thought about how you are giving them what they need before you get what you need – which is their attention.
What they Need and What You Should Ask to Stay On The Right Track
Recognition – Do you know who I am?
- At the outset of your message have you acknowledged who they are and what they have achieved - status?
- Acknowledged them as individuals and an institution or group?
- What are you doing to show you recognise what they have achieved?
- How are you showing you respect them?
Connectedness – Are you one of us?
- How have you shown that you are like them, share their values and goals?
- How have you shown that you are on the same team?
Consistency – Can I trust you?
- How are you making this message predictable and clear – giving clear expectations, saying how long this will take, using an agenda and being clear about what you require?
- How are you logically building a case to elaborate your point?
- What different kinds of evidence (stats, case studies, graphs, testimonials, pictures etc) are you using to support your case?
- How have you clearly spelt out your expectations to them?
Fairness – Is this balanced and fair?
- How will they be able to identify the clear; boundaries, expectations, measurement, results and time frames of this project?
- How will your processes be transparent?
- How will you communicate with them about the progress?
Freedom – What choices are you presenting me with?
- Freedom - How are you showing them they can control this situation, that they have choices and that the right choice is the easy choice?
- If they can't control the big picture what can they control and how can you help them see it?
Particularly when this is an important message - Ask yourself how your message recognises these five trigger areas. When you can do that you are on the right track.