Section 2: Communication Strategies

Section 2: Communication Strategies > Subsection 1: Introduction to Communication Strategies > 2.2.1.1. Introduction to Communicating in the Workplace
Section 2: Communication Strategies > Subsection 2: In-Person Communication > 2.2.2.2. The Value of In-Person Communication
Section 2: Communication Strategies > Subsection 3: Written Communication > 2.2.3.1. Email Communication
Section 2: Communication Strategies > Subsection 4: Presentation Strategies > 2.2.4.3. Storytelling for PowerPoint
Section 2: Communication Strategies > Subsection 4: Presentation Strategies > 2.2.4.9. Presentation Skills
Section 2: Communication Strategies > Subsection 5: Conclusion > 2.2.5.2. Thinking About Effective Communication

Think of it this way – would you want to receive a detailed financial report by phone? And would it be best to console an emotional friend with an email? In both of these circumstances, unless you carefully consider the communication format, the more nuanced parts of your message could easily be lost.
In the following section, we’ll talk about the advantages and challenges of in person and written communication.
We’ll put both together as we we hone in on creating and delivering a compelling presentation with PowerPoint.
You’ll discover how to use logical structuring and storytelling to effectively share your message.

If you could share an idea in-person or send an email, which would you choose? Technological advances make electronic communication a tempting option.
Delivering the message in-person signals the message’s importance and adds a personal touch.
What separates casual acquaintances from close contacts? Professors, friends, mentors, and colleagues – these relationships simply aren’t as meaningful without in-person communication.
Interacting with others face-to-face enhances conversations about sensitive subjects, encourages honesty, and develops emotional connections.
The following units will help you maximize your in-person communication skills.

In-person communication is vital to success in the business world, but it may not always the best option in a given situation.
It’s important to recognize when written communication can be a more efficient tool in the workplace.
In a business setting, e-mail is the most common form of written communication.
Some advantages of email communication include: Quick verification of tasks, schedules, and expectations.
Flexible and timely interaction between global companies a world away.

On the downside, email communication lacks the kind of rapport-building interactivity that characterizes in-person communication.

When used effectively, PowerPoint allows you to emphasize and visually enhance key points in your presentation.
Before you open PowerPoint or another presentation application, you should draft your presentation’s narrative arc.
Your story should stand on its own, so you’ll want to map it out before you start building slides.
Top-Down-Thinking can help you to structure and plan your presentation.
Begin with a narrative introduction that introduces the purpose of the presentation, contextualizes its relevance, and briefly summarizes your recommendation or hypothesis.
As an example: “Despite strong reviews, quarterly sales are down 20%.”
- The key question you are here to answer is: “What actions should we take to prevent further losses?”
- Your hypothesis is that the low sales are driven by unseasonably warm weather, and you should hold course until the weather changes.
- Your hypothesis is that unseasonably warm weather is causing the drop in sales.
- Survey shows people haven’t started purchasing winter clothing in many markets For each bullet, go back and identify a few pieces of data you will want to use on each slide to support your main message.
- You’ll want to finish your presentation by sharing your proposed action steps.

Once you have your narrative arc mapped out, you are ready to start using PowerPoint to build your slides.
The bullets on your list should be used to plan your slide headlines, and the sub-bullets to build your slide content.

I will leave you all with one question here today: if performance is what drove our customers in, what’s going to keep them here and what’s going to keep them loyal? Personally, I know keeping all these things in mind, I’m going to be working on understanding the features of the app that keep them engaged and keep them loyal.
You’ll want to appear composed and in-command, so be sure to stand up straight, look your audience in the eye, and avoid over effusive gestures.
While you never want to speak too quickly or quietly, you can pull your audience in by moderating your speech patterns for dramatic effect.
Of course, you’ll want to stay away from filler words like ‘ah’, ‘um’ and ‘like’.
You want to appear relaxed and natural so don’t agonize over your language.
Try to engage your audience as much as possible, ask and encourage questions as appropriate.
Your audience will connect and reciprocate your energy and enthusiasm.

What’s next on the agenda? We’re going to build upon the fundamental communication strategies from the earlier sections and put them into practice with teamwork and project planning.
With your new foundation, you’ll get the opportunity to see how being an effective communicator can help you become an effective leader.
The focus is, after all, to sharpen your communication skills with others!