Learn how to improve communication by focusing on connection. Embrace mistakes as a means to success. Recognize failure as an opportunity for growth. Use inclusive language and posed questions for engaging communication. Structure presentations to create connected and conversational presentations.
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Quick takeaways
Embrace mistakes as 'missed takes' and opportunities to explore different approaches and learn from them.
Reframe communication as conversations to alleviate pressure and create a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.
Deep dives
Daring to be Dull: Embracing Imperfection
To improve communication, we should give ourselves permission to do what needs to be done without judging ourselves too much. By daring to be dull, we focus on relaying information rather than striving for perfection. This approach is a core tenet of improvisation, where the goal is to be obvious and genuine. We don't always have to come up with groundbreaking ideas; it is enough to help keep a conversation going and connect the pieces. Cultivating dullness may feel odd at first, but it allows us to be more present, engaged, and authentic in our communication.
Mistakes as Opportunities: Embracing Failure
Mistakes and failures are essential parts of the learning process. Instead of fearing mistakes, we should adjust our perspective and see them as mist takes, opportunities to explore different approaches and learn from them. Just as in filmmaking where multiple takes are done to discover creative possibilities, in communication, we can view each interaction as a chance to try out different approaches. By reframing errors as valuable learning experiences, we can become empowered and improve as communicators. Celebrating failures and actively learning from them helps us grow and embrace the path to becoming better communicators.
Conversations, Not Performances: Shifting Mindsets
Many of us approach spontaneous interactions as performances, feeling judged by others and putting pressure on ourselves to meet certain expectations. To alleviate this pressure, we can reframe communication as conversations, which are more casual and familiar. Adjusting our language to be inclusive and simple, asking questions, and avoiding over-rehearsing or memorizing allow us to create a conversational atmosphere. By embracing the conversational mindset, we can relax, be ourselves, and focus on connecting rather than worrying about perfection.
This episode we're sharing an excerpt from Matt Abrahams's audiobook, Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Listen in as Matt explains how to think like a movie director, where a mistake isn't a grave error, but rather a "missed takes" and an opportunity to try again with a new approach.
*This audio excerpt is courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright
2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.