Day 3 of ASSAP® 2012 - Workshop B

Thursday 19 April 2012, 9.00am to 5.00pm

Influential Communication Skills

How to develop a voice that speaks success and become a powerful communicator

with Sarah Schubert

When was the last time you listened to your own voice and thought, "I like that sound!"
When was the last time you were asked, "Are you listening to me?!"
When was the last time you spent more than 30 minutes asking someone questions without giving them your point of view?
When was the last time you consciously changed how you spoke and what you said to suit the needs of your listener?

If you have answered 'never' to at least two of these questions, then this workshop is exactly what you need. You communicate on a daily basis, and the way you communicate can single-handedly change the outcome of a situation without you even realising it.

Every time you speak to someone, you must ensure that: your voice projects a professional image; you're asking the right questions; you're listening rather than just hearing; and you're using various different tools when talking to different stakeholders.

Being an influential communicator takes skill and practice, and it is something we can all be. This one-day workshop introduces you to the key components of successful communication – your voice and how you sound, listening versus hearing, asking the right questions, saying the right thing, and using an appropriate style for your audience.

This workshop is essential for people who communicate on a daily basis and want their voice to speak success!

Workshop Outline

Know your communication style

• Four different communication styles – which one are you?
• Why you need to appreciate the differences
• The secret to being more flexible in your style
• Are you really listening or thinking about what you will have for dinner?

What does your voice say about you?

• How do you sound? Spend time listening to and analysing your own voice
• Feedback and insights from your voice buddy and professional voice coach
• The essentials of a voice that speaks success
• Techniques to use post-workshop to continue developing your voice

Always be prepared

• 4 stakeholders you need to delight
• Key strategies to make sure every conversation hits the spot
• The art of saying 'no'
• The secret of getting 'yes'

A personalised strategy to be a more influential communicator

• Different situations call for different techniques
• Practice, practice and more practice
• Planning a plan – know what you want to achieve
• Committing to change