Leadership Communication Strategies and leadership skills coach

Master the Art of Communication: choose the right words

Communication, Public Speaking / Archana Parmar

Words have a powerful impact on the way we communicate and are perceived by others. Whether we’re speaking to an audience of thousands, chatting with a friend, or sending an email, the words we choose can make or break the message we’re trying to convey. The power of words lies not only in their ability to communicate our thoughts and ideas but also in their ability to influence the emotions and actions of others. Studies have shown that the words we choose can have a significant impact on how others perceive us. In a study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology, participants were asked to rate the competence and confidence of two speakers who gave the same speech with only minor differences in their word choice. The speaker who used more confident language was perceived as significantly more competent and confident by the audience. Another study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that leaders who use more positive language are more effective at inspiring their followers and achieving their goals. The study showed that leaders who use more positive language are seen as more charismatic and inspiring, and their followers are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. The power of words can also be seen in real-life examples. Consider the famous “I Have a Dream” speech by Martin Luther King Jr. His words were powerful and inspiring, and they continue to resonate with people around the world more than 50 years later. King’s words were carefully chosen to convey his message of hope and change, and they continue to inspire people to take action and make a difference in the world. Another example is the way that Apple markets its products. Apple is known for using simple, concise language to describe its products, focusing on the benefits rather than the features. This approach has helped Apple build a brand that is synonymous with innovation, design, and quality. To sum it all up, the words we choose when we speak have a powerful impact on how others perceive us and on our ability to influence their emotions and actions. Whether we’re speaking to an audience, chatting with a friend, or sending an email, we should always be mindful of the words we use and the message we’re trying to convey. By choosing our words carefully and thoughtfully, we can become more effective communicators and make a positive impact on those around us. Share your thoughts on this with me at archana@archanaparmar.com

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Your Voice Can Fail Your Communication

Communication, Public Speaking / Archana Parmar

Voice is a powerful tool that we use to communicate with others. The way we use our voice can impact the way we are perceived and the message we are trying to convey. The five components of vocal foundations- speed, volume, pitch, tonality, and pauses- are essential for effective communication. In this article, we will discuss the importance of these components and how they can be used to communicate effectively. Speed is the rate at which we speak. It can be fast or slow and both have different meanings. Speaking fast can indicate excitement, urgency, or enthusiasm, while speaking slowly can convey a sense of thoughtfulness, deliberation, or seriousness. For instance, when you are telling a story or sharing an experience, speaking slowly can help the listener to imagine the scene better, while speaking fast can add to the excitement and make the story more thrilling. Volume is the loudness or softness of our voice. It can be high or low and can convey different emotions. Speaking softly can indicate intimacy, vulnerability, or secrecy, while speaking loudly can convey confidence, assertiveness, or anger. For instance, when you are giving a presentation, speaking with a louder volume can help you to command attention and show your confidence in the subject matter. Pitch is the melody or intonation of our voice. It can be used to convey different emotions and create a musical effect in our speech. A higher pitch can indicate excitement or enthusiasm, while a lower pitch can indicate seriousness or authority. For instance, when you are asking a question, a rising pitch can indicate curiosity, while a falling pitch can indicate a statement of fact. Tonality is the emotional tone of our voice. It can be used to convey six core human emotions- happiness, sadness, discouragement, fear, anger, and surprise. Different tones can be used to convey different emotions. For instance, a happy tone can be used to convey joy or excitement, while a sad tone can convey grief or disappointment. A fearful tone can be used to convey anxiety or worry, while an angry tone can convey frustration or irritation. Pauses are the breaks or silences between words or phrases. They can be used to emphasize a point or to give the listener time to process the information. Pauses can also be used to add drama or suspense to our speech. However, it is important to note that there is a difference between pauses and fillers. Fillers such as ‘um’, ‘ah’, or ‘you know’ can detract from the message we are trying to convey and make us appear less confident. In conclusion, the five components of vocal foundations are essential for effective communication. By using speed, volume, pitch, tonality, and pauses correctly, we can convey our message with clarity and impact. It is important to practice using these components to improve our communication skills and be more effective in our personal and professional relationships. With practice, we can learn to use our voice as a powerful instrument to connect with others and convey our thoughts and emotions effectively. Here are three case studies that illustrate the importance of the five components of vocal foundations: Barack Obama’s Speeches:Former President Barack Obama is widely known for his exceptional communication skills, particularly his speeches. One of the reasons why Obama’s speeches were so effective is because he mastered the five components of vocal foundations. For instance, he was able to vary his speed, volume, pitch, tonality, and pauses depending on the message he wanted to convey. When he wanted to emphasize a point, he would speak slowly and softly. When he wanted to express his passion or excitement, he would speak loudly and with more intonation. Obama’s mastery of the vocal foundations helped him connect with his audience and convey his message effectively. Steve Jobs’ Presentations:The late Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple, was a master presenter. His presentations were not only informative but also engaging and captivating. Jobs’ presentations were so powerful because he used the five components of vocal foundations to his advantage. For example, he would vary his speed depending on the complexity of the message he was delivering. He would use pauses effectively to build anticipation and emphasize certain points. He would also use tonality to convey his passion and enthusiasm for the products he was presenting. Overall, Jobs’ mastery of the vocal foundations helped him deliver powerful and memorable presentations. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Speeches:Civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest orators in American history. His speeches were instrumental in advancing the civil rights movement and inspiring millions of people. One of the reasons why King’s speeches were so effective is because he used the five components of vocal foundations to convey his message. For example, he would use his pitch to create a musical and rhythmic quality to his speeches, making them more memorable and impactful. He would also use pauses effectively to emphasize certain points and build tension. King’s mastery of the vocal foundations helped him deliver some of the most powerful and inspiring speeches in history. Would you like to work on your vocal foundations? Write to me at archana@archanaparmar.com

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Communication: the science and art of behind it.

Communication / Archana Parmar

Communication is a vital aspect of human interaction that involves the exchange of information and ideas between individuals. Effective communication is not only essential for building relationships, but it is also crucial for achieving personal and professional goals. However, communication is not a simple process, and it requires skills and techniques that can help individuals achieve their objectives. In this article, let us the explore the science of communication including para-language, focusing on the audience-speaker relationship, developing confidence, articulating your message, personal presence, and receptive and expressive communication. The Audience-Speaker Relationship: Effective communication requires an understanding of the audience’s needs and expectations. This means that you, as the speaker must consider the audience’s age, gender, education level, cultural background, and other relevant factors when developing their message. You must also identify your audience’s level of familiarity with the topic and adjust their message accordingly. For instance, while delivering a presentation to a group of experts in a specific field, you will use technical terms and concepts that would be unfamiliar to a lay audience. To establish a strong audience-speaker relationship, you must also demonstrate empathy and understanding towards your audience. This can be achieved by using humor, anecdotes, and personal stories that are relatable to the audience. Additionally, you must be mindful of their body language, tone, and delivery, as these can significantly influence how the audience perceives your message. Developing Confidence: Confidence is a critical component of effective communication. When you as a speaker exude confidence, you are more likely to capture the audience’s attention and convince them of your message. However, developing confidence is not an easy task and requires practice and preparation. To build confidence, you must first know your topic inside out. This means conducting thorough research and organizing your message in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, you must practice the delivery and anticipate potential questions or challenges from the audience. Visualization is also an effective technique for building confidence. Before the presentation, you can visualize yourself delivering a successful presentation, receiving positive feedback, and achieving your goals. This can help to reduce anxiety and improve your overall performance. Articulating Your Message: Clear articulation is essential for effective communication. Here, you must use language that is concise, precise, and easily understood by the audience. This means avoiding jargon, technical terms, and other language that may be unfamiliar to the audience. To articulate your message effectively, you must also be aware of your pace and tone. Speaking too quickly or too slowly can make it difficult for the audience to follow the message. Additionally, varying the tone and inflection can help to emphasize key points and maintain the audience’s attention. Personal Presence: Personal presence refers to the impression that a speaker makes on the audience. This includes their body language, tone of voice, and overall demeanor. Having a strong personal presence can help you capture your audience’s attention and inspire trust and confidence. To develop a strong personal presence, you must be aware of their body language. This means maintaining eye contact with the audience, standing tall, and using gestures that are natural and purposeful. Additionally, you must be mindful of their tone and delivery, using a voice that is clear, confident, and engaging. Receptive and expressive communication: The science of receptive and expressive communication involves the study of how individuals receive and express information through various forms of communication, such as spoken language, written language, and nonverbal communication. Receptive communication refers to the ability to understand and interpret messages that are received from others. This can involve active listening, paying attention to nonverbal cues, and processing information in a way that leads to comprehension. Individuals who struggle with receptive communication may have difficulty understanding instructions, following directions, or comprehending complex information. Expressive communication, on the other hand, involves the ability to convey thoughts, ideas, and emotions to others. This can involve verbal communication, such as speaking or writing, as well as nonverbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions. Individuals who struggle with expressive communication may have difficulty articulating their thoughts or feelings, or they may have trouble conveying their message in a clear and concise manner. To achieve effective receptive and expressive communication, it is important for you to practice active listening, pay attention to nonverbal cues, and use clear and concise language when communicating with others. Additionally, you may benefit from seeking the assistance of a speech-language expert or other communication specialist who can provide you the guidance and support in developing these skills. If you are interested in taking your communication level to the next level, book your discovery call with me and let’s talk through this.

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How people pleasing is harming your self esteem

Communication / Archana Parmar

How people pleasing is harming your self esteem You’ve probably heard it before: “Be polite, or you’ll offend people.” But what you may not know is that this phrase isn’t just about politeness. It’s also about our ability to express ourselves and stand up for ourselves. People pleasers are often stuck in a cycle of guilt and anxiety that keeps them from speaking up and being assertive. By following these tips, you can learn how to break free from this habit so that you can be more assertive in your relationships with others–and yourself! People Pleasing is a Habit People pleasing is a habit and it’s not healthy. People pleasers tend to put their own needs aside for the sake of others. They often feel like they need to be liked or accepted by others in order for them to be happy, which can cause great anxiety when these wants aren’t met. They also want others’ approval so badly that they sacrifice their own feelings in favor of making sure everyone else is happy—even if that means denying what makes them happy! Another issue with people pleasing is that it makes us feel like we aren’t good enough on our own: “I’m trying my best but I just can’t seem to do anything right!” This kind of thinking can lead us down dangerous paths because we’re constantly searching for ways out of situations instead of focusing on solutions (such as asking ourselves why we need other people’s approval). It is Easy to Be a People Pleaser People Pleasers are at risk for addiction and anger issues. They may have trouble making decisions because they are so focused on pleasing others. They also tend to be bad decision makers because they’re always looking for ways to please others without having to make their own choices, which can lead them into unhealthy situations. People Pleasers tend to feel guilty when they succeed or express their feelings in any way. The No-Judgement Zone is a place where we never judge ourselves or anyone else around us; instead, we allow ourselves to be human beings who like being people pleasers but also want independence and freedom from the constant pressure of having to please everyone all day long! The No-Judgement Zone The no-judgement zone is a place where you can be yourself without worrying about what others think of you. You don’t have to worry about how your actions will affect their opinion of you, or if they will judge or criticize your behavior. The no-judgement zone is also a place where people feel safe enough to say anything without having it taken personally by the other person. They know that even if they say something rude or hurtful, it won’t affect them because there isn’t any expectation from others that they must act differently towards them than everyone else in their life. Feeling Guilty for Succeeding Guilty feelings are a normal part of being human. Guilt is a feeling of responsibility for another person’s feelings, and it can be helpful in many ways. When you feel guilty about something, it means you’re worried about the consequences if your actions or thoughts don’t meet up with their expectations. Guilt also serves as a motivator to improve yourself so that you can be better at pleasing others—whether that means making sure everyone has their needs met before doing something for yourself (like going on vacation) or sacrificing your own needs so that others can have theirs met (like taking care of someone else’s child). Feeling guilty helps us learn from our mistakes and become better people overall because we’re constantly trying to improve ourselves through these kinds of experiences. It may seem counterintuitive but guilt actually improves health: according to research published by the American Psychological Association in 2006 titled “Guilt Is Good For Your Health”[1], people who express more guilt tend to live longer lives than those who don’t! The authors concluded this was because “guilty individuals” scored higher on tests measuring how healthy they were physically as well as mentally.” Not Expressing Your Feelings If you’ve ever been a people pleaser, it’s because you were afraid to say no. You feared being judged or rejected. You feared being criticized and/or seen as selfish, mean and unkind by others. When we don’t voice our feelings, our emotions become suppressed for fear of judgment from others—even if those judgments are negative ones like “You should be more considerate” or “Don’t make me feel like I’m bothering you when I ask for help with my work.” People pleasers are often stuck in a cycle of guilt and anxiety that keeps them from speaking up and being assertive. People pleasers are often stuck in a cycle of guilt and anxiety that keeps them from speaking up and being assertive. People pleasers are often afraid to stand up for themselves. They feel like they’re asking for trouble by speaking up, so they’re always worried that their requests will be rejected or judged negatively (even if it’s not true). People pleasers may also be afraid of being rejected by others: because of this fear, they try to please everyone by doing everything people ask them to do—even if the task isn’t important enough for them personally. As a result, these people end up feeling unhappy and unappreciated at work because they’re never given credit for their hard work! If you’re someone who frequently feels guilty for doing something wrong, it can be a struggle to stop the cycle of people pleasing. Even though people pleasing is a habit that stems from our desire to make others happy and keep them happy, it doesn’t have to be this way. By learning how to express yourself better and being assertive in situations where you feel like people pleasing might work better for both you and your partner (or friends), you can start breaking free from the cycle of guilt that keeps people pleasers stuck in a no-win situation. If this

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Improve Effective Communication with 50 Shades of Grey

Communication / Archana Parmar

Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty shades Darker, Fifty shades freed is novel trilogy by E.L. James that tells the story of two people, two different backgrounds, and two personalities who fall in love. Though the novel is often mistakenly labeled as “erotica” due to its explicit content, I am talking about it for the way the title ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ resonates with all of us. Now that I have your attention, let me come to the point. The concept of ’50 shades’ encourages us to recognize that people are not just one-dimensional, but rather, are composed of a variety of different traits, beliefs, and values that make them who they are. Taking this into consideration allows for more meaningful communication and deeper connections with others. Effective communication is an essential part of any successful relationship, whether it be professional, social, romantic, or otherwise. To achieve this, it is important to understand that every person has their own unique set of beliefs, perspectives, and personalities, and these should all be taken into consideration when engaging in dialogue. The concept of ‘50 shades of people’s personalities’ is a helpful tool for understanding this complexity. When engaging in dialogue, it is important to try to be understanding and respectful of one another’s perspectives, even if they differ from our own. It is also important to be willing to listen, to pay attention to body language, and to avoid assumptions or coming to conclusions too quickly. By doing this, we can better understand one another and create healthier, more productive relationships. It is a common misconception that seeing the world in terms of black and white is the most accurate approach to understanding reality. This might seem simple, but upon closer examination, there are in fact many shades of gray and complexities to be found between the two extremes. The idea of a ‘50 shades of gray’ perspective is helpful in many different contexts. In business, for example, it allows for a greater understanding of the various business models in which a company could operate, or the various strategies they could implement. In politics, it allows for a better understanding of the many nuances that exist between different political beliefs and ideologies. In fact, this kind of perspective can be beneficial in many other areas of life, such as psychology, sociology, and even personal relationships. By understanding and accepting the reality that there are many different perspectives and angles that can be taken on almost any subject, a person can gain a more nuanced and informed understanding of the world and their place in it. To conclude, embracing the concept of ‘50 shades of gray’ can help a person become more open-minded and better equip them to make better decisions and form more well-rounded opinions. Seeing the world from this perspective can help people to become more tolerant and understanding of different points of view, allowing for more meaningful conversations and deeper connections with others. Let’s talk and explore your possibilities in these 50 shades of grey.

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Archana Parmar Communicate with precision

How to communicate with clarity and precision?

Communication, Gravitas / Archana Parmar

Communication is one of the most important skills for us to learn. Communication is about expressing your thoughts and ideas, persuading others and convincing them. Communication can be done in many ways: formal speeches by politicians or businesspeople, informal conversations with friends or family members etc., but it’s always good to have some guidelines when communicating with clarity and precision. What do you think about this topic? Before you start, take a moment to think about your opinion. Be specific about where you stand and why. If a question has multiple answers, explain how you arrived at your answer. If there is more than one way to interpret the same data point or observation, explore all of them in detail so that your reader can make up their own mind about what’s happening with the topic at hand. When communicating with others (and especially when speaking on social media), it’s important that we remain open-minded and not afraid to disagree with others if we feel strongly enough about something—or even if we don’t agree at all! Just remember: communication doesn’t always mean agreeing 100% with everyone else around us; rather than try too hard not to offend anyone by voicing unpopular opinions or disagreements, try instead finding common ground where possible by focusing on shared experiences or values instead of differences between individuals who may actually hold opposing views.” Then, what is your personal experience with that topic? When you plan your communication, your goal is to communicate with clarity and precision. To do this effectively, you must first know how to tell a story. A good story can be simple or complicated; it doesn’t matter as long as it makes sense and motivates the reader emotionally. You should also be able to explain your point of view on the topic—the way you feel about it—in terms that are clear and concise yet still convey what needs to be explained in order for people to understand where they stand on a particular issue or problem. What are the reasons for your views? How can we change the attitudes of people in a certain field to make them more open-minded and willing to learn from others? It is important that we be open-minded and willing to learn from others. We should also be willing to change our views, admit our mistakes and admit when we are wrong. We have a lot of preconceived notions about the world around us, but these can be changed if someone else has different ideas or experiences than us. If you want your ideas accepted in this field then you need to communicate clearly with precision so that people understand what your point was meant for them in the first place! You can think your thoughts and simply communicate what is on your mind. You can think your thoughts and simply communicate what is on your mind. You don’t have to be a professional writer, but you should know how to write clearly and concisely. This will help you communicate clearly with others, who might have a different idea of what’s being said than you do—or worse yet, they may not even understand the context of what was said at all! So here are some tips for writing better: – Use short sentences and paragraphs. – Use simple words and avoid jargon. – Avoid passive voice (e.g., “The report was written by me”). – Use active voice whenever possible (e.g., “I wrote the report”). Conclusion Communication is the most important skill that you can have. It’s not just about talking to others, it’s also about listening to them. You can’t really communicate with others if you don’t know what they want and need. There is a close connection between language and thought. They are intertwined, much like the two sides of a coin. Your words speak for your thoughts. Using vague language is a sign of having unclear thinking. By defining terminology, utilising appropriate names, and drawing universal comparisons and labels, thoughtful people aim to communicate exactly and properly. They make an effort to avoid generalisations like “everyone does it” and omissions like “this cereal is better.” Is it better than what? Instead, they freely back up their claims with justifications, analogies, quantification, statistics, and proof. It’s interesting to note that the opposite is also true: Your thinking changes when you try to use precise terminology. Your internal thought processes and thought maps become more exact, structured, and laser-focused.

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How can I be more confident in meetings?

Uncategorized / Archana Parmar

Meetings are a necessary evil, but they’re also a great opportunity to improve your productivity. When you don’t feel confident in meetings, it can be hard to stay focused and productive–but there are ways to overcome this barrier. Here’s how: Have a clear reason for being in the meeting In order to be confident in a meeting, you need to know what it is that you want from the meeting. This can include things like gaining new information, clarifying an idea or problem and even getting feedback on something that has been bothering you. Make sure that your goal for being in a meeting is clear and specific. For example: “I want to find out how much time it would take us to complete this project”. It’s also important not only have good reasons for being there but also prepare yourself for questions and objections so don’t expect people to just listen without any resistance at all! Be prepared There’s a lot of pressure on you to be ready for every meeting, so it’s important to prepare yourself. Be authentic and genuine Prepare what you want to say The next step is to prepare what you want to say. This can be a challenge when meeting new people, but if you’re prepared, it will make it much easier for yourself and your team members. It’s important that everyone involved in the meeting has a clear reason why they are there: What is the goal of this meeting? Who needs what information from each other and why? How will they make progress towards achieving those goals by having these conversations today? You may find that some topics are more important than others; if so, focus on those first! Don’t try too hard at making sure everything gets covered when there might be something else missing from your agenda (like asking questions). If something comes up during conversation where everyone knows exactly where things stand on an issue then just skip over it until later when time allows for discussion about other issues present in today’s meeting. Being confident will help you in meetings, but it will also help you be more effective. Being confident will help you in meetings, but it will also help you be more effective. In fact, confidence is one of the most important factors for success in any endeavor. Confidence comes from knowing yourself and your abilities, as well as being able to communicate those attributes effectively. If a person has confidence in themselves then they can share their knowledge with others without fear of embarrassment or failure. They will also be able to lead others because they know how they want things done or what steps need taken if something goes wrong during the process of completing tasks successfully. Conclusion Business meetings are one of the most common forms of communication. In fact, some studies have found that more than 80% of all work is done in a meeting or conference call. At first glance, this might seem like a good thing–after all, it means that you get to meet with people from all over the company! But when you take a closer look at these so-called “networking events,” there’s often something missing: confidence. If you want your business interactions with others to go smoothly (and not just because they’re required by HR), then here are some tips for making sure that everyone has fun while still getting what they need out of each other:

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Why Effective Communication is Vital for Startup Founders

Uncategorized / Archana Parmar

Uncovering the Power of Effective and Persuasive Communication Through Pitcher Zee 5’s Story! Effective communication is essential for any successful business. It is essential for building relationships, inspiring action, and getting results. Persuasive communication can help you to make a lasting impression on your audience and to get them to take action. A great example of effective and persuasive communication is the story of Pitcher on Zee 5. In this article, I will uncover the power of effective and persuasive communication through the Zee 5 series Pitcher. Introduction to Effective and Persuasive Communication Effective and persuasive communication is the art of connecting with an audience in order to influence their decisions or actions. It is a skill that can help you to build relationships, increase sales, and solve problems. It requires a deep understanding of the audience, their needs, and the message that you are trying to convey. It is important to be able to craft a message that is both clear and compelling. Persuasive communication is the art of using words, body language, and visual elements to create an impactful and memorable message. Effective and persuasive communication is essential for any business. Whether you are a small business owner or a corporate executive, you need to be able to communicate effectively and persuasively. Effective and persuasive communication will help you to make a lasting impression on your audience and to get them to take action. The Benefits of Effective and Persuasive Communication Effective and persuasive communication has many benefits. It can help you to build relationships and trust with your audience, increase sales, and motivate people to take action. It can also help you to explain complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Effective communication is essential for any successful business. The Story of Pitcher on Zee 5 Pitcher is a story of a small startup enthusiast who had a great idea for a product that could help to solve a problem. He had been struggling to get his business off the ground and he needed to find a way to get the word out. He decided to create a powerful elevator pitch that he could use to convince potential investors to invest in his product. Naveen crafted an elevator pitch that was concise, clear, and compelling. He was able to effectively communicate the value of his product and why people should invest in it. He was able to make a lasting impression on his audience and get them to take action. The Art of the Elevator Pitch The elevator pitch is a short, persuasive speech that you use to communicate the value of your product or service to potential customers or investors. It is a powerful tool for convincing people to take action and invest in your business. An effective elevator pitch is concise, clear, and compelling. It is to be tailored to the specific audience and target their needs. The elevator pitch is an important tool for entrepreneurs, business professionals, and salespeople. It is important to be able to craft a compelling elevator pitch that will effectively communicate the value of your product or service. Analyzing Pitcher Zee 5’s Story The founder was able to use effective and persuasive communication to make a lasting impression on his audience and get them to take action. He was able to craft a powerful elevator pitch that was concise, clear, and compelling. He was able to explain the problem that he was trying to solve and the value of his product in a clear and concise manner. He was also able to focus on the benefits of his product and make it personal to his audience.

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Assertiveness – An Introduction || SkillsYou Need

Uncategorized / Archana Parmar

Assertive communication is a style of speaking that allows one to convey their demands and feelings in a straightforward but courteous way. Researchers have found that being assertive in communication leads to better results across the spectrum, from the academic achievement of elementary school students to the job satisfaction of experienced professionals. This blog post is to help you know more about assertive communication, how it differs from other communication styles, and how you may develop your own assertiveness. Continue reading to find out how speaking up politely can elevate your interpersonal and career interactions and help you accomplish your objectives. When we relate with people, we behave or communicate with them in three ways- Communication in the passive style reveals a lack of respect for one’s own demands and rights. The majority of passive people either don’t communicate wants at all, or they do so in a timid, apologetic way that makes them difficult to hear and dismiss. A subservient/passive individual may believe they have spoken clearly while in fact their message was completely misunderstood due to its ambiguity. However, the expression of feelings wants, and ideas in a hostile/arrogant/dominant manner is known as the aggressive mode. It is an “attack” or “move intended to cause harm.” The assertive form of communication enables a person to uphold their self-respect, express and pursue their wants clearly, protect their rights and personal space without dominating or abusing others, and keep their sense of self-respect. It validates one’s ability to exist in the world and express needs, wants, thoughts, and feelings. Let’s look at these three styles in detail- Understanding Passive style One upside of communicating in a passive manner is that it helps in avoiding conflict. The kind of conflict that can be extremely frightening to some people can be avoided, delayed, or at the very least hidden by saying ‘yes’. People are born assertive but are trained by their parents, elder siblings, teachers, and other adults to be passive/submissive/obedient. These are frequently complimented for their good behaviour; they are described as “kind,” “unselfish,” and “good sports.” “Nice” also carries a cost. People who are submissive comply with everyone’s preferences and demands rather than making their own decisions. Remember that every surrender is a repression of anger, and that anger eventually seeps into any affection that people may feel. Tragically, obedient people behave in this way in attempt to win someone’s love, but their very nature eventually leads to disagreement and separation. Understanding Aggressive Behaviour The person who is aggressive seeks to satisfy their desires, even at the expense of someone else. Three main ways that aggressive communication and behaviour pay off are that the aggressive person is more likely to meet their material demands, be able to defend their personal space, and appear to have control over both their own and other people’s lives. Aggression has a number of negative consequences as well. People that are violent are highly afraid; they act aggressively not because they feel powerful but rather because they feel vulnerable. Their propensity for making enemies ultimately leaves them more exposed and afraid. Aggressive persons frequently alienate others and are not well-liked or adored. The alienation is a very compelling motivation to address this problem. Understanding Passive-aggressive behaviour Individuals who communicate in a passive-aggressive manner frequently convey their ideas and emotions in a hazy or perplexing manner. These people may at first seem quiet, but they eventually respond angrily in indirect ways. People who use passive-aggressive communication styles may feel helpless, stuck, or resentful about their present situation, yet they may be unable to address it directly. Instead, they can use suppressed anger expressions to try to undermine the cause of their hatred. Outward collaboration and internal irritation and resentment are common characteristics of passive-aggressive behaviour. Understanding Assertive Behaviour The power to assert yourself is associated with higher self-esteem, and assertive people usually like themselves more than the other two categories. By making a person more at ease with themselves and hence more comfortable to be around, assertiveness typically promotes stronger relationships. Being assertive significantly lowers fear and anxiety, allowing people to discharge pleasant energy toward one another. Being aggressive increases a person’s chances of getting what they desire in life and from other people. Although being assertive doesn’t always ensure that you receive what you want or need, it’s still generally the best course of action. Does being assertive comes at a cost? Ofcourse, it does. Learning to be assertive requires work and can be challenging. It is difficult to change a regular communication style. Communicating your needs, wants, or feelings openly and honestly can be extremely unpleasant if it results in conflict or rejection. Being assertive is being prepared to take the chance of going through a fight in the hopes of creating a connection that is more genuine, satisfying, and intimate. It’s not an easy decision to decide to focus on being assertive. However, it is the only way to take control of one’s life and get out of a rut of compulsive tendencies picked up in unhealthy relationships. The ability to have and exercise choice, as well as learning to accept other people’s choices, are all skills that can be developed through assertiveness. Assertiveness for leaders: If I had to choose one skill for most leaders to work on, it would be assertiveness. Not because assertiveness is such a great quality in and of itself. Rather, because of its ability to accentuate a wide range of other leadership qualities. Every leader wants to be more self-assured, but very few know how to assert themselves. Being assertive lies somewhere between being passive and aggressive. You might come across as submissive if you don’t speak up when you have anything to say. And if you’re adamant about your point of view, you might appear unfriendly or, worse, a bully. You can express yourself without being passive or confrontational if you learn to be assertive, and you’ll have a better chance of receiving what you want. For all

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6 Things you must know about articulation

Communication, Gravitas, Presentations, Public Speaking, Speaking Skills / Archana Parmar

If there’s is something that amazes me the most, it is the power of being articulate. “How some people achieve dramatically different results than others with what seem to be the exact same ingredients.” –Phil M Jones It is as simple as the art and love for cooking. Same ingredients, same quantities yet the taste differs. It seems craftsmanship is the word of the day for me. Effective communication of your needs, desires, and emotions is a skill that can significantly improve many aspects of your life. Being unable to speak clearly can make it difficult to communicate your ideas. Filler words might divert attention from your main points and force you to rephrase your arguments three or four times. Fortunately, with a little time and work, you can learn to talk clearly. What is articulation? When we refer to someone as being articulate, we mean that they speak clearly and concisely enough for others to comprehend what they are trying to say. That implies that the speaker’s actual words are understandable to the listener as well as that the words accurately convey the speaker’s meaning. Wondering where is the dividing line? Have you ever listened to a professor from college, a lawyer, or even a priest who talked quite clearly? You heard every word they said, but you had no understanding what they were trying to express. Perhaps since there were so many words, their relationship wasn’t immediately clear. Even if someone uses big words, lots of qualifiers, and modifiers, they may not necessarily be well-spoken. A certain degree of articulateness depends on the audience. Before determining whether or not someone is articulate, stop and consider your assumptions. Context is crucial. An articulate speaker can talk clearly to their target audience and is at ease with their own voice. When needed, they can speak more slowly while still using good language and pronunciation. Their speaking abilities enable individuals to vary their enunciation and emphasis according to the subject, environment, and audience, rather of consistently speaking in the same tone. However, did you know that articulation encompasses more than just our speech? Outstanding speakers convey more than just what they say. To be most effective, our body language abilities must be in sync with our spoken communication. Making eye contact and using the appropriate hand gestures can be challenging, but they both help to show how articulate we are. It may take some time to get your verbal and body language in sync. As you establish your objectives, you might begin by determining your strengths and weaknesses. Advantages of being articulate- Here are six advantages of improving your verbal skills. Take note of the fact that these advantages apply to both your personal and professional lives. Being eloquent makes you come across as more knowledgeable and competent. Your ability to speak clearly can increase your comfort in any situation where you must interact with others. Explaining your viewpoints and defending yourself will make you feel more confident. Being able to speak clearly can help people regard you as a leader. If you can speak more clearly and concisely, getting (or providing) feedback won’t be as difficult. In relation to your other friends and co-workers, you’ll stand out, which may be advantageous for employment chances. Speaking clearly is essential for all part of your life. Even though articulation is a skill that is always in demand, it can still be challenging to acquire. Speaking clearly can help you stand out both personally and professionally. The advantages of articulation for your job are countless. For instance, speaking well can improve the presentations you deliver at work. Additionally, it might aid in strengthening your relationships with clients and co-workers. Being a great speaker benefits not only your career but also your personal life. It can improve your relationship with others and your sense of self-worth. Pay close attention to the first time you held eye contact during a discussion or the first time you learned a new term and used it well. Although there will be a learning curve, keep in mind that you are honing a skill that will benefit you for the rest of your life. Are you prepared to work with a coach to guide you on your journey? Write to me at archana@archanaparmar.com and let’s get started.

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