Words are wonderful.
I know, I’ve lived a lovely life courtesy of their remarkable power.
But! There are creative ways you can put your words to work, which can really help you to connect through your communication.
Here are three examples I’ve used lately to fine effect.
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Voice notes
Modern technology is remarkable, and the ability to send a voice note is both simple and highly effective.
For example, I had some information to convey to the team on my Compelling Communication Skills course.
But, most of all, I wanted to thank and congratulate them.
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We're not yet a year old, but highly successful, and much of that is due to their brilliant work.
I could have written a boring old email.
But how many emails do we all get every day? And do we really take them in?
Let alone truly feel the sentiments expressed in them?
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So, instead, I recorded a voice note on our WhatsApp group, telling the team the updates they needed to know.
But more importantly,…
Sharing the love with them.
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Because they could hear in my voice how much I believed what I was saying...
And my appreciation for their efforts, they loved the message.
It was far more human, heartfelt and effective than just sending an email.
And made us all feel good, bonded and motivated.
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Videos
I’ve been working with the top students at a major overseas university on their statements of purpose.
That’s just a fancy academic way of saying their applications for higher studies: Master’s degree courses, and PhDs.
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We’re doing several rounds of consultations, starting with the initial assessment of their statements.
Which gave me a dilemma.
At that point, I hadn't spoken to any of them face to face.
So, I didn’t just want to send my comments back on a Word document.
Although most of what they had written was very good or excellent, there were always weaknesses to address.
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And you know how it goes:
Even if the feedback you get is 90% positive…
It’s the difficult parts that stay with you and overshadow everything else.
Which can be deflating and demotivating.
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So, instead of just sending the feedback, I recorded a brief video to go with each.
Only a couple of minutes, introducing myself, and praising large parts of the statement. But also bringing in the areas for improvement.
This worked a treat.
When we got together for our video meetings, the students already felt they knew me, and were highly appreciative of my efforts to make sure they were engaged and encouraged.
There’s nothing like video for looking someone in the eye and making a direct emotional connection, particularly when you can have challenging issues to address.
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Photos
Finally, often overlooked, but wonderfully effective in raising a smile, and warming a message…
Is just including a photo.
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I often do this if I’m travelling somewhere.
It can feel like receiving a postcard, which is always appreciated.
A little thought, a sparkle of creativity, and a great deal of goodwill can be generated by sending a picture.
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On the subject of which, to conclude this blog…
A Christmas wish, and thank you for reading my thoughts this year...
Through a rudimentary e-art photo I've been sending out with my emails!
I’m going to give the blog a break now until the New Year, so I'll look forward to seeing you again then.
But! In the gap between Christmas and January 1st, I'll be reposting my top five rated blogs of 2023.
So keep an eye out for them, in case you've missed anything worthwhile.
But for now, have a great festive season, and a Happy New Year.
