🗣️ 5 Signs of an Intelligent Communicator

Have you ever encountered individuals who proudly proclaim themselves as 'great' communicators? They exude confidence, wield a sophisticated vocabulary, and effortlessly navigate conversations in large gatherings. Yet, despite the facade of eloquence, it becomes evident that their impact falls short of their claims.

Great communicators often focus on impressive vocabulary, flaunt their linguistic prowess, dominate conversations, and may avoid feedback. 

But intelligent communicators understand that it's not just about what you say, but how you connect with others. They ask themselves, "Am I connecting with my audience?", "Am I being genuine in my interactions?", "Am I truly listening to others or just waiting for my turn to speak?", "Am I open to constructive criticism and willing to improve?"

If your head is clouded with questions about how to do any of these to become intelligent in your communication, here are 5 ways you can be an intelligent communicator: 

Peering Into Your Blind Spots

Have you ever questioned the accuracy of your self-assessment? It's crucial to challenge your assumptions about your strengths and weaknesses. What if your perception of being a great listener is actually perceived as dominating the conversation by others? Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to reveal your blind spots. Consider asking a trusted colleague for honest feedback. Do you always consider their perspective, or do you tend to dismiss it?

Beyond your weaknesses, there might be dormant strengths that can be your secret weapon. Think about an underrated skill of yours that could prove invaluable in overcoming challenging situations. Or, recollect moments when your interactions didn't go as smoothly as you hoped. What patterns can you identify in these situations?  

Self-awareness is an ongoing journey. Intelligent communicators understand that their blind spots and hidden strengths can be a game-changer. It's not about perfection, but about continuous growth and adaptability. So, take some time to reflect on how intelligent you are in your communication today, so that you can pave your way to join the league of the top 2% achievers. 

The Unspoken Rules of 'Not-To-Dos'

We've all been down the road of learning the ropes of professional communication, often dwelling on what we should be doing - the "To Do's." But here's the twist: what about the "Not-To-Dos"?  

You might have nailed that firm handshake, but if you're interrupting your listener every chance you get, you're not doing yourself any favors. Ask yourself: What are the things that I am not supposed to be doing in order to first make an impact as an involved listener? 

On the other hand - sometimes, in our eagerness to impress, we overload our conversation with too much information, turning it into a monologue. In this case - what are some things that you need to avoid talking about in order to create a sense of mystery around your accomplishments, while also not coming off as too obsessed with just speaking? 

Or sometimes, it can be something as simple as the things in your conversation that you need to not mention in order to keep your message crisp, concise, to the point, and wholly understandable. 

Zeniths who practice their ‘Not-To-Dos’ know that simple shifts in the way that you manage yourself in critical conversations can make a world worth of difference in how intelligently you are perceived as a communicator. 

Constructive Internal Communication

Have you ever stopped to think about the chatter that goes on inside your head before you speak your mind? It's like a sneak peek into the upcoming dialogue, where you've already sorted through the thoughts and words you'll use. But, here's the twist – this inner dialogue isn't just a mental rehearsal. It's influenced by the clutter you've accumulated throughout the day, and it can significantly impact your effectiveness as a leader and communicator.

Just like athletes warm up before a game, it's crucial to set the right mental tone to warm up for your conversation ahead. What you read, watch, and discuss can greatly influence your thinking. It's all about understanding your triggers. Knowing what irks you allows you to anticipate and address it constructively. Paying attention to your triggers takes away from the bias that destructive internal communication may add to a conversation. Creating an environment for constructive internal communication makes you an empathetic communicator; which is what allows you to embody a transformative shift in perspective that makes you stand out no matter the situation. 

Similarly, when it comes to feeling confident in your communication - if you think it’s coming from the environment you’re in - you’re probably mistaken. Your confidence is awakened from within and that is the power of mastering your internal communication. 

The Power of Holistic Listening

We've heard the phrase "listening is not the same as hearing," but have we really delved into what it means to be a holistic listener? 

Listen beyond words. Think about that time your colleague nervously tapped their pen during a presentation. What were they really trying to say? Did they need support or clarification? Intelligent communicators learn how to decipher the hidden meanings behind words. In fact, it is this initiative to listen beyond words that allows them to lead conversations and always leave an impact. 

Remember, we're not just hearing words; we're connecting, understanding, and thriving through the power of holistic listening. So, the next time you're in a meeting, keep those ears wide open, but don't forget to use your eyes, intuition, and empathy as well. Holistic listening can take you from being a passive listener to an active communicator. It's a skill worth honing, where every detail can make a difference.

Responsibility, not Reactivity

Ever thought about what triggers your emotional outbursts? It's a question worth pondering. By understanding the sources of your emotional storms, you gain power over them. Imagine you're in a meeting and someone drops a bombshell of criticism on your project. But, because you have identified what your emotional triggers are - you learn how to beware of them. Rather than letting the criticism take you under, you hone in on your power to be able to declutter and focus on the feedback that’s coming your way. 

Intelligent communicators understand that emotions aren't the enemy; they're part of being human. This understanding makes them value their frustration and channel it in the right direction rather than being repulsed by it. 

If you find yourself being someone who can’t help but be impulsive, especially over emails and text messages, follow the 24-hour rule. Write it, save it as a draft, and revisit it the next day. You'll be amazed at how different your perspective can be when you just sleep over it. The next time you find yourself in the eye of the storm, remember that taking responsibility for your reactions can lead to more constructive, meaningful interactions.

Communication Intelligence has limitless nuances attached to the practice. But at the end of the day, it’s all about how aware and conscious you choose to be when navigating through your daily interactions. 

Until next time! 

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