How can you use your communication style to lead and influence?

Using your communication style to lead and influence effectively involves tailoring your approach to inspire trust, convey your message persuasively, and motivate others to take action. Here are some tips: 1. **Active Listening:** Listen attentively to others. Show that you value their opinions. 2. **Confidence:** Speak with confidence and assertiveness. When you believe in what you're saying, others are more likely to follow your lead. 3. **Empathy:** Understand the perspectives and emotions of those you communicate with. This allows you to connect deeper and address their needs and concerns. Continuously refining your communication style based on the situation and your audience will enhance your ability to lead and inspire.

In my experience I try to keep a check on the following in my business communications (conversations, presentations negotiations etc) - try to find commonalities at the start (sports, personality traits, interests etc) they lead to much better openers and create an immediate connection. - pace your speaking time during a conversation such that it’s minimal and with small easily agreeable point of views. This helps build trust and credibility which will assist in selling the main points and opinions. - be mindful of the flow and try to keep everything related to your final point of view.

I was challenged recently to make an impact by choosing a word and posting a positive video about a different word everyday for seven days. I only remembered to post two videos, I have to admit I didn't think my videos would make an impact. One of them I made into a reel and it has 100 views, I was shocked. This proved to me though that what we do and what we say does have an impact. I encourage you to be positive and very intentional in everything you do. If you are honest and speak from the heart you will make an impact on other people and if you can make a positive impact you are a great communicator in my opinion.

I have found that starting with a startling, agreeable, astounding revelation fact concerning the subject matter you are addressing captivates the audience, to begin with. Later to drive home your perspectives,. Philosophy and ideologies blend well. Conclude and summarize with conceding note with empathetic notes. Do not allow the audience to take a snooze, keep them alive.

Your voice, experience, and delivery is unique. While you may be concerned about it being off-putting to some, you should know that someone, somewhere, NEEDS to hear your words said exactly the way you say them. You don't always have to lead with being the smartest in the room so be open to hearing others' input. Allow their experiences to inform your own, even if you don't always agree with what's being said. Remember that communication is information sent AND received. Whatever your communication style is, be open and authentic.

I agree with this. I would also add that a key factor in communicating with different styles, is having a high degree of emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence allows us to properly assess the style required for that audience and more importantly, the timing of our delivery.

I wholeheartedly agree with Nada Mroue's perspective. Emotional intelligence stands as a paramount, albeit frequently underestimated, competency essential for effective workplace communication.

Another important factor to consider is the situation and context in which the communication is happening. Different styles can be effective in different situations while other styles in the same situation can be ineffective or even counterintuitive. For example the style of your communication may differ in delivering positive and negative messages. It can be effective use a more direct style when communicating good news while at the same time, using a direct tone with the same person, in some situations when delivering bad news can make matters worse. In such a case a more considered and indirect approach may be necessary to soften the blow. A good communicator knows what to use when and at times may even need to blend styles together.

Communication is an important aspect of leadership. I believe one of the truest tests of effective communication for a leader is when there is bad news to be delivered to the team or tough decisions to be made. The best way to approach is be as direct as possible focusing on the micro level as opposed to macro (like blaming the economy.... or the industry) . Do not fake concern which isn’t obvious in the decisions. (Nobody likes being thought of a fool) Communicate with empathy (not sympathy) and offer support and guidance. ..but most importantly.. always..ALWAYS end the talk about hope and a way up/out. A leader is nothing if not a motivator and carrier of hope. :)

A true leader leverages their communication style to open the opportunity for feedback. In fact, in my experience, this has proven to be most important during times of urgency or duress, as often, times of duress consist of crucial decision making points that can have the most cost impact on an organization.

You need to be introspective and understand who you are as a leader as your leadership style will influence your communication style. It is critical, especially in today’s fast changing world, to have both different communication and leadership styles in your toolbox. At the same time, it is important to remain authentic to who you are, so as not to come off as disingenuous or confusing to those you lead. As important as it is to adjust to your audience and situation, it is just as important to be self aware of your leadership and communication style and to be able to recognise how it is affecting your audience and whether it is actually helping to achieve the goal you set out to achieve.

There can be no influence in one's words, without confidence. Influential speakers do not need to be experts or know everything about a particular subject matter. In fact, there is something relatable about a communicator that is comfortable in owning any situation- authentically. What draws a reader or listener in, is a combination of two factors in the communicator: their choice of words and a sense of self-ownership.

In my experience, the most effective way to learn is to immerse yourself in learning and find ways to expose yourself to different situations where you can use, practice and try out the different skills or techniques that you learn. Its not enough to only learn the theory, but you have to put yourself in situations where you need to be flexible and you need to use the different styles and see people’s reactions to understand the nuances of what is effective in what situation and also to find out where you can improve.

One thing I have found helpful in increasing my communication abilities, is in exposing myself to new interests. Whether this be in in learning about a new hobby, educating myself on subjects I am less versed in, or simply reading a different book genre; I have found that these help extend my day-to-day vocabulary while changing the rhythm in my communication delivery.

To improve your communication skills: 1. Practice active listening. 2. Be mindful of non-verbal cues. 3. Communicate with clarity and brevity. 4. Cultivate empathy. 5. Seek feedback and learn from it. 6. Engage in regular practice. 7. Read and learn about communication. 8. Reflect on your communication style. 9. Adapt to different situations and audiences. 10. Develop conflict resolution skills. 11. Boost confidence in your communication. 12. Consider mentorship. 13. Record and analyze your communication. 14. Respect cultural differences. 15. Enhance written communication skills.

To use your communication style to lead and influence effectively, consider the following strategies: 1- Active Listening 2- Empathy 3- Clarity 4- Confidence 5- Adaptability 6- Storytelling 7- Credibility 8- Inclusive Language 9- Body Language 10- Feedback 11- Positive Reinforcement 12- Lead by Example Remember that effective leadership and influence are not about manipulation but about building trust and inspiring others to willingly follow your lead. Adapt your communication style to the situation and the individuals involved to maximize your impact.