Page 43 - Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders

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WHO ARE YOU . . . AND WHY ARE YOU TALKING TO ME?
CHAPTER 2
WHO AND WHY LEAD TO WHAT
Knowing who you are as a leadership communicator and why you are speak-
ing will make the next step—determining what you will say—that much eas-
ier. It is often tempting to skip these first steps, but that is a mistake that could
lead you to overlook the needs of the audience as well as important attributes
of your message. 21
So, whether you are the expert explaining an issue or a transformer sell-
ing change, you need to know who you are and why you are there if you expect
people to believe what you have to say.
Communications Planner: Discovering
the Leadership Communicator Within
Discovering your purpose and style as a leadership communicator is
essential to getting your message across in ways that enable it to be under-
stood. As we have mentioned, your approach may vary from situation to
situation. In order to provide clarity, here are a series of questions you can
ask yourself in the interest of sharpening your focus as a leadership com-
municator. The answers to these questions will prepare you to begin the
development of your message, which we discuss in the next chapter.

Getting to Know Yourself as a Leadership Communicator
1. How does the audience know you?
2. Do you or your organization have a prior connection to this
audience? Explain.
3. What type of presenter appeals most to this audience?
Expert
Visionary
Coach
Tranformer

Identifying Your Purpose as a Leadership Communicator
1. What does the audience expect you to say?
2. What changes have occurred recently that may affect your
message?
3. How receptive is the audience to what you have to say?
Explain.