{"id":1110,"date":"2019-06-26T16:58:26","date_gmt":"2019-06-26T16:58:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/?p=1110"},"modified":"2023-04-22T01:11:04","modified_gmt":"2023-04-22T00:11:04","slug":"students-beat-your-competition-with-effective-communication-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lucilleossai.com\/blog\/2019\/06\/26\/students-beat-your-competition-with-effective-communication-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"Students: Beat Your Competition With Effective Communication Skills"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"Graduate<\/p>\n

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Last week, I was a guest on the Marketing Study Lab Podcast<\/em> <\/a><\/span>\u00a0hosted by the engaging Peter Sumpton<\/a><\/span>. Peter is passionate about providing guidance and insights to help students who are studying for various professional marketing exams. As an expert in marketing, he also tutors students and shares best practices to prepare them for success.<\/p>\n

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Our discussion focused on effective communication. We analysed how communication skills could become the differentiator in this cutthroat age. Peter was a gracious host who gave me ample opportunity to answer in-depth questions when\u00a0our conversation began.<\/p>\n

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Below is a summary of our conversation, with extra insights to consider.<\/p>\n

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1) Good communication skills will amplify your profiles<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Peter wanted to know why being a good communicator was critical to students\u2019 success.<\/p>\n

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I gave a simple answer: superb communication skills will distinguish a student from the pack.<\/p>\n

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One way to beat the impact of automation, artificial intelligence, and other (possibly) more experienced or qualified peers is to speak persuasively and write convincingly. These two skills will amplify your profile and place you at the forefront of those who make decisions – from supervisors to hiring managers.<\/p>\n

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2) Excellent public speaking skills are a game-changer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Red<\/p>\n

Warren Buffett<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>is the third richest man on the planet in 2019, according to Forbes. He\u2019s stated to be worth $82 billion. He famously declared that public speaking was the one skill that could increase your value by 50%. Yet, it’s listed as the number one fear.<\/p>\n

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Peter asked a valid question: Why do many people fear public speaking?<\/p>\n

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I gave two reasons for this development:<\/p>\n

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(I) We are wired to avoid anything uncomfortable<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Experts believe that this is a natural predisposition – some evolutionary wiring of the fight-or-flight response, designed to keep us safe from a perceived threat. Since speaking in public is often viewed as a stressful experience (hence a threat to our wellbeing), few people relish the experience of being \u2018set up\u2019 to be (unfairly) judged or critiqued. Therefore, we avoid speaking as often as possible.<\/p>\n

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II) We are often ill-prepared <\/strong><\/h3>\n

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And it won\u2019t matter if it\u2019s a speech, presentation or an address. Thus, we become less confident and engage in self-defeating thoughts. Such negative feelings increase our dread and worsen our delivery.<\/p>\n

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These two reasons notwithstanding, we can drastically reduce our anxiety by preparing thoroughly and practising as many times as possible. The more we practise, the easier it comes. Practice begets confidence<\/em>.<\/p>\n

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Interestingly, students who can speak more convincingly will be chosen over peers who possess similar or higher qualifications. Carmine Gallo, the author of several communication books, including the bestseller Talk Like TED<\/em>, recently explains this trend in a Forbes article<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

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Therefore, as ambitious students, amplify your oral communication skills to enjoy more opportunities.<\/p>\n

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3) Impressive oral and written communication skills can be learned<\/strong><\/h3>\n

This point is one of the most reassuring aspects of communication. Even if you feel your oral skills are laughable or your writing skills are below par, you must be convinced that you can improve, regardless of your talent or lack thereof. Until you change your woe-is-me<\/em> mindset, nothing meaningful can occur.<\/p>\n

\"Learn<\/p>\n

The good news is that tools and resources exist – primarily free on the internet, which you could use, test and apply to boost your public speaking skills and to sharpen business writing ability.<\/p>\n

a) For public speaking <\/strong><\/h4>\n

As students, avail yourselves to TED talks, YouTube videos, and to the great wealth of knowledge available on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is an incredible social media platform for following thought leaders and connecting with public speaking experts, authors, and coaches.<\/p>\n

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To build your competence in this skill, learn best practices but test them with different groups. When you learn practical techniques and styles, use them consistently and tweak your delivery as you evolve.<\/p>\n

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One concern in public speaking for students is the use of ‘fillers’. These are little words such as er, em, ah, so, by the way,<\/em> and anything repetitive that we tend to say when struggling to find the right words or expressions. As I mentioned in the podcast, fillers are not necessarily harmful when used occasionally. However, the excessive use of these words would distract listeners from your important messages. Therefore, one tactic to combat this problem is to force yourselves to speak slowly and loudly. This might seem unnatural at first but persevere. \u00a0Also, liberally use pauses because they help you articulate your thoughts better and allow your points to ‘marinate’ in the minds of your audience members.<\/p>\n

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Despite all the advice you’d receive on public speaking, note that the best way to improve your speaking ability is actually to speak more regularly. Adopt the insights you’ve learned and seek every opportunity to talk. Volunteer to speak in programmes if you must. Public speaking does get better with time.<\/p>\n

I promise.<\/p>\n

b) For business writing<\/strong><\/h4>\n

I’ve written about this theme in different blog posts over the years. Nevertheless, the techniques for improving your writing skills haven’t changed much.<\/p>\n

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To begin, knowing the three rules of effective business writing will help you in the writing process:<\/p>\n