People make the first impression in the first 5 seconds that they
meet a person. First impressions usually determine how you will relate in all the
following interactions you will have. Ever wondered what this impression is that
people always refer to and how it comes about?
An impression is a picture of yourself that other people will
have of you. This means that an impression is a result of your communication.
It is very important to know what you are communicating and
how you are communicating it. Communication is more intense and involving than
speaking.
Be sure of the message you send across because most people
will judge you and make decisions about you based on the message that you
communicate about yourself. Thus it’s important to understand that
communication is a key ingredient of success. How you communicate determines
what opportunities you get. This is a fact believe it or not! Your success will
be determined by what you communicate and to whom you communicate.
Let’s now explore some of the ways that you can use to send a
positive message about yourself that will attract opportunities and therefore
success for you.
Have self-awareness- communication starts at personal
level before you can even communicate with others. Some of the questions you
need to ask yourself are who you are and what you really stand for. This will
help you in your communication with other people as at times it will radiate to
others. It will also help you focus on what you want people to know about you
when you communicating.
Speak for success- everyone can speak but not everyone
can speak effectively. If you are a candidate for success you have to know that
whenever you open your mouth you have two possibilities; either to create
opportunities or repel opportunities. Remember everyone can say something but
whenever you say something it should help people understand you better and make
them desire to know you better and engage you in some meaningful things. When
you are in public just don’t say things that don’t matter, people will measure
you based to the words that you say. Know where to be serious and where to
joke. You should also be able to convince people when you speak.
Develop Effective
writing skills-
writing is a key form of communication especially in these days where
organisations want everything communicated to be written down for records
purposes. You should develop into a powerful writer who can be understood even
without backing up your writing with verbal explanations. Most people think
that writing is about throwing big words often in their pieces to show how
educated they are. That is a wrong perception. Instead a good writer should be
understood without difficulty by his intended audience. When you communicate
your intention is to be understood and not to confuse the reader. Use simple language
that has a logical flow and writing that will capture your audience till the
end of the written piece.
Request for feedback- feedback is a response of your
communication from those that receive it. It is very important because it helps
you to know whether you are understood or not and whether you are effectively
communicating or not. Ask for feedback from the people that are close to you
since they know you better. Do not be defensive when they give you feedback if
you want them to give you objective feedback. They will tell you your strengths
in communication and the areas of improvement. Use this feedback to then
improve your communication.
Social Networking- like said before who you know
determines your success. This does not mean that your success will come through
corruption or nepotism as most would think. However the honest truth is you
should make sure that some influential people know your strengths and are
convinced so that when opportunities arise they are able to match you with
them. The best salesmen have made their sales over cocktails and at social
events. Know the right places and the people to meet. It will ultimately
determine the opportunities that you get. Find associations and clubs to join,
they help you get your skills noticed.
By Glen Dhliwayo
+263773641749
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