Qualities of Good Communication

Webster's Dictionary defines communication as "a giving or exchanging of information, signals, or messages by talk, gestures, writing, etc." The primary goal of communication in a training setting is to transfer information to participants in such a way that a maximum amount of the message is understood and retained.

It has been said that communication is sincerity plus affability. Sincerity is the primary basis upon which the audience judges the integrity of the trainer. To quote Mr. Webster, sincerity means "without deceit, pretense, or hypocrisy; truthful and straight-forward." However, your sincerity as a trainer and someone else's belief in that sincerity may be two different things. You may believe in your subject, and be genuinely interested in the communication of that subject to your audience. But if they do not perceive you to be sincere, YOU ARE NOT SINCERE! Regardless of your own convictions, you may be projecting quite a different image to your group. Most people feel they can accurately judge sincerity, although research indicates that people's perceptions are often incorrect. Thus, as a trainer, you must PROJECT sincerity.

Tips to project sincerity: 1. Be yourself -- the presentation you give should be a natural reflection of your personality, not an imitation of someone else's. 2. Concentrate on ideas rather than words -- this keeps you from words and expressions you would not normally use, and keeps the flow of your presentation natural. 3. Extemporize rather than memorize -- when speaking, use an outline, possibly one on a flipchart or overhead transparency, rather than a written text. Practice by doing a few dry runs in front of a mirror or with a tape recorder.

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CEO, A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.