Page 168 - Free Yourself From

Making Your Words Count 151

Yes No

5. I speak up when I think I have something to
say even when there is controversy or I am
the only woman in the room.

6. I avoid going into too much detail when I
explain things.

7. I explain factual information clearly and
simply.

8. I plan what I am going to say and how I am
going to say it.

9. I use my body language to capitalize on my
communications.

10. Instead of speaking, I focus on drawing out
other people’s ideas and perspectives in
meetings or conversations.

Did you say no to any of these questions? Rarely does anyone mas-
ter all of these areas, but just by taking this quick assessment, it should
be clear that being a good communicator is a multidimensional com-
petency. Everyone has natural strengths in some areas as well as
opportunities for improvement in others. The key is to learn to use
the full suite of communication skills and techniques, and to adapt
them to the situation, audience, and goal at hand.

The Three Elements of Successful Conversation

Let me start by mentioning that three factors reliably determine the
success of any conversation. First, to many people’s surprise, nonver-
bal language constitutes 55 percent of the overall message a person