Speak with People, Not at Them
In today’s fast-paced digital world, leaders face a crisis that many may not even realize: the struggle to be heard. With the constant clamor for attention from social media, blog posts, and videos, leaders find themselves grappling with the challenge of effectively communicating their message. Jason, the co-founder of “Speak with People,” a business that aims to help leaders improve their communication skills, believes that healthy communication is key to being an impactful leader. For years, leaders relied on fear and control to get things done. They believed that speaking forcefully and loudly would yield results. However, Jason experienced a personal transformation when he realized the negative impact his communication style had on those around him. Inspired by a verse from Proverbs, he sought to change his approach and coined the phrase “speak with people, not at them.” As a former pastor with 26 years of experience, Jason understands the importance of effective communication in various contexts. This understanding led him to start “Speak with People” alongside his partners from Chicago and his 19-year-old son. Their mission is to equip leaders with the tools and habits necessary to communicate in a healthy and authentic manner.
Everyone Communicates: The Power of Healthy Communication
Communication is as essential as breathing. We communicate every day, often without giving it much thought. It’s like breathing, something we do naturally until something goes wrong. Jason explains that communication is not just about the words we say but also the tone and body language we use. In fact, only 7% of our communication is conveyed through words, while 38% is conveyed through tone and 55% through body language. Understanding the power of healthy communication is crucial for leaders in all walks of life, not just in traditional speaking roles like pastors or salespeople. Whether you’re an accountant, a nurse, or a realtor, effective communication is vital in your interactions with others. Being able to communicate with empathy, clarity, and confidence can make a significant difference in your relationships and leadership.
The Pathway to Healthy Communication
To help leaders improve their communication skills, “Speak with People” has developed a step-by-step guide called “The Pathway.” This guide consists of eight key steps that leaders can follow to experience personal life change and improve their communication with others.
1. Assess and prioritize your health: Recognize the importance of holistic health and develop a plan for physical, emotional, mental, relational, and financial well-being.
2. Understand if you communicate with or at people: Take a quiz to determine whether your communication style is focused on engaging with others or simply talking at them.
3. Obsess over your audience’s success: Shift your focus from yourself to your audience, genuinely listening and addressing their needs and concerns.
4. Study and prepare: Invest time in preparing for your interactions, whether it’s a team meeting, a presentation, or a one-on-one conversation.
5. Embrace clarity: Make clarity a priority in your communication. Ensure that your message is clear, concise, and easily understood by your audience.
6. Partner with laughter: Use humor to connect with your audience and create an engaging and enjoyable experience.
7. Tell stories that matter: Craft stories that are relevant to your message and resonate with your audience, enhancing their understanding and engagement. 8. Craft the entire experience: Consider the holistic experience of your communication, including body language, voice modulation, and overall presentation. By following these steps, leaders can transform their communication style from one that is unhealthy and ineffective to one that is authentic, impactful, and inspiring.
Three Tips to Improve Your Speaking Skills
Whether you find yourself speaking on stage or engaging in interpersonal conversations, here are three practical tips to enhance your speaking skills:
1. Be obsessed with your audience: Shift your focus from yourself to your audience. Understand their needs, concerns, and desires, and tailor your message to address them effectively.
2. Prioritize clarity: Develop a system for ensuring clarity in your communication. Use techniques such as the clarity box to distill your ideas into a clear, actionable message that resonates with your audience.
3. Treat speaking as an art: Practice and refine your speaking skills as if it were an art form. Invest time in preparation and rehearse your speeches or presentations to build confidence and deliver a compelling message.
Connect with Speak with People
If you’re interested in improving your communication skills and becoming a more effective leader, you can connect with “Speak with People” through their website, speakwithpeople.com. They offer various resources, including a weekly podcast, blog posts, and a pathway to guide you on your journey towards healthy communication. Remember, effective communication is not limited to specific roles or professions. It is a skill that everyone can benefit from honing. By adopting healthy communication habits and prioritizing the needs of others, you can become a powerful and influential leader who positively impacts the lives of those around you.
Jason Raitz is on a mission to help leaders speak with people, not at them. He is the President of Speak With People, an organization dedicated to helping leaders improve their communication skills. Jason has been speaking professionally since 1996 and has taken the stage at over 500 events, speaking to more than 200,000 people. He is also the host of the Speak with People Podcast, a leadership communication podcast committed to challenging leaders to improve their communication skills. He is a captivating speaker, a catalyst for laughter, personal growth, and a guide to profound communication transformation.
