Agenda - Council Work Session - 11/22/2022

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DARCY WALKER MANAGEMENT REPORT 06.16.2020 AREA OF FOCUS: COMMUNICATING EFFECTIVELY EXPRESSING THOUGHTS CLEARLY IN WRITINa. Skills, Behaviors, and Attitudes to Adapt and Practice • Ask yourself before writing a memo or letter, "What is the purpose of this communication?" View it from the reader's perspective. "What does the reader need to know? What do they already know? What can you tell them?" • Outline the important information you wish to convey. Organize information in a logical, easy to follow manner. Omit unnecessary details and get to the point. • To communicate clearly and effectively, use simple and concise language. Author written communication by writing as if you were speaking with recipients. • Explain in written communication the actions and follow-up required of others. Do not use indeterminate language such as 'sort of,' 'rather,' 'somewhat,' etc. • Email is a quick, informal means of communication, but the usual rules of grammar, punctuation, and style still apply. Email is every bit as important as other communications in establishing credibility. Even email with a peer could be distributed to others in the company. Challenging Activities • Volunteer for a writing assignment, such as a company newsletter. Ask a talented writer to edit your writing, and to provide feedback and suggestions for improvement. • Email is becoming more common as a communication tool. Learn to write powerful introductions and subject lines. State your message clearly and concisely, and keep supporting information relevant to the topic. BEING AN EFFECTIVE, ARTICUL►.TE SPEAKER Skills, Behaviors, and Attitudes to Adapt and Practice • Strive for conversational, dynamic delivery. Avoid stiff, formal presentations. Become animated, when appropriate. Use gestures and body language to emphasize your communication efforts. • Always thoroughly prepare and practice before each presentation. • Know your audience and their stake in the information you present to them. Consider what the audience needs to know, what they want to know, and why they need to know it. One technique is to ask participants what they hope to learn from your presentation. • Be direct and assertive when presenting your opinions. Avoid phrases that can lessen the impact of what you say, such as 'It seems to be,' 'It is likely,' or 'It depends.' • Use practical examples to support key points, if appropriate. Audiences are often eager to hear interesting stories. • Ask others for feedback to check if the content, delivery, and tone of your presentation was appropriate and well -received. © by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form, in whole or in part, is prohibited. 30