Crucial Communication: Control Difficult Workplace Conversations Using Essential Dialogue Tools to Achieve Positive Results More Often

By Gary Peterson

Is talking to others your Achilles' Heel?

Do you dread having to talk to your boss or show a presentation at a meeting? Is your lack of public speaking skills holding your career back? If so, CRUCIAL COMMUNICATION: Control Difficult Workplace Conversations Using Essential Dialogue Tools to Achieve Positive Results More Often is the right book for you! 

This book will show you real-life communication techniques so that you feel more comfortable talking to people at work, in different social settings, and more! 

With this book, you will gain an in-depth understanding of how verbal and non-verbal communication work so that you know exactly what to say and how to act to move forward in life. 

More than that, this book shows you what charisma is, and why it is so important to possess emotional intelligence and listening skills in order to spread your influence and move ahead. 

Did you know that a lack of effective communication makes you underperform at work? Did you know that misunderstanding other people's hidden messages might keep you from making meaningful connections? Did you know that people with neglected social skills often fail to profit from their true talents? If you've been plagued by these hurdles, it's time to stop suffering. Put your foot down and decide to change! 

This book shows you how to be and act your best self in a matter of days! In this book, you'll learn:  

The true meaning of communication 

What communication is, and what it is not 

How to speak and understand others accurately 

What the eight pillars of communication are and how to master them 

The right tips and techniques for effective VERBAL COMMUNICATION 

What NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION looks like and how to wield it to show influence and charisma 

How to improve your communication skills TODAY with easy and practical tips and tricks 

How to grow charisma and emotional intelligence to create genuine connections that will advance your career and life 

How to handle difficult conversations and conflict with dignity, grace, and smarts 

...And so much more! 

This book will answer all the questions that a hidden gem of an introvert like yourself could possibly have!  

This manual doesn't shy away from real-life obstacles. It will show you how to communicate in the workplace in a professional manner, while still being your most comfortable, funny, and approachable self. It will help you overcome the hindrances of both formal and informal communication, and give you the right techniques to talk to your employer, employees, or customers that are suitable to the social setting, and also let your personality come to light; It will teach you how to conduct yourself in meetings and when speaking in public so that you feel comfortable and confident in expressing your knowledge, talents, and skills! 

Hurry up and hit "Buy Now", because your precious talents are being wasted with each day you're not showing them! You're only a click away from learning how to let your inner best shine through, so don't waste the opportunity! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary Peterson
• Release date: Jan 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393781493

Book preview

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: What is Communication?

Types of Communication

Verbal Communication

Non-Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Visual Communication

The Eight Components of Communication

The Source

The Message

The Method of Communication

The Recipient

The Feedback

The Environment

Context

Interference

Conclusion

What Is Crucial Communication?

Recognizing Crucial Communication

Typical Responses to Crucial Communication

Chapter 2: Verbal Communication

Speaking Effectively

Your Choice of Words

Develop the Ability to Think Clearly

Be Concise

Use Pauses

Control Your Pace

Speech Pace Exercise

Mind Your Tone

Tone Control Exercise

Friendly Voice Exercise

Positive Versus Negative Voice Quality

Exercise to Improve Voice Quality

Exercise for Vocal Relaxation

Volume Control

Volume Variation Exercises

Breathing Exercises to Increase and Sustain Volume

Articulate

Inflection and Meaning

Inflection Exercise

Chapter 3: Non-Verbal Communication

Types of Non-Verbal Communication

Body Language Dos and Don’ts

Written Communication

Barriers in Written Communication

Pros and Cons of Email

Tips for Written Communication

Chapter 4: Effective Communication Skills and Tips

Active Listening

Active Listening Exercise

Practice Mindfulness

Barriers in Mindful Communication

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Take on Others’ Perspectives

Use Their Name

You Don’t Need to Fill Silences

Be Assertive

Chapter 5: Charisma

What Is Charisma and Why Is It Important?

Traits of a Charismatic Person

Adaptability

Clear and Concise Communication

Confidence

Creativity

Determination

Empathy

Engage Instead of Talking

Tips on How to Become a Charismatic Communicator

Be Happy and Take Care of Yourself First

Address People by Their Names

Avoid Negative Conversations

Be Present in the Moment

What Not to Do

What To Do

Smile, Greet, and Compliment People

Do Not Blow Your Own Horn

Dress Smartly and Smell Good

A Good Sense of Humor

Give Without Expecting Anything in Return

Readily Admit Your Mistakes

Turn the spotlight on the Achievements of Others

Chapter 6: Negotiation and Persuasion

What are Negotiation Skills?

Effective Communication

Planning

Persuasion

Organizing Skills

Why Is It Important to Have Good Negotiating Skills?

Tips to Improve Your Negotiating Skills

Always Be Open-Minded to Walking Away

Find the Right Frame for the Negotiations

Receive Back When Making Concessions

Talk Less and Listen More

Use Timing to Your Advantage

Practice

The Art of Persuasion

Why It Is Important

Important Persuasion Skills

Communication

Active Listening

Interpersonal Skills

Logic and Reasoning

Negotiation

Tips for Effective Persuasion

Utilize Your Strengths

Prepare for Objections

Confidence

Make Notes

Research

Persistence

Chapter 7: Emotional Intelligence

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional Intelligence and Communication

Emotional Awareness for Communication

Understanding Your Own Emotions First

Empathy: Considering Others

Self-Regulation: Sometimes Taking a Moment is a Good Idea

Self-Awareness Exercises

Why Do You Do What You Do?

Values

Reflect on Your Feelings

List Your Daily Emotions

Self-Management Exercises

Breathe

Sip Water

Take a Different View

Social-Awareness Exercises

Live in the Moment

Be an Office Observer

Watch People

Relationship Management Exercises

The Little Things Count

Decision Explanations

Emotional Intelligence Takes Time

Chapter 8: Handling Crucial Communication

Preparation

What Are You Dealing with Exactly?

Understand the Why

Understand That it’s Difficult for Everyone Involved

Second Thoughts

Dialogue

Time and Location

Steps for Managing Crucial Communication

Approach the Conversation by Starting With Yourself

Resist the Urge to Argue or Avoid

Creating Safety for Sharing

Lacking Mutual Respect

Lacking a Mutual Purpose

Restoring Mutual Respect

Restoring Mutual Purpose

Know When Safety Is at Risk

Dealing With Intense Emotions

Path to Action

Justification Stories

Speaking Honestly and Inoffensively

Explore the Path to Action of Others

Creating Action from Crucial Communications

The Four Types of Decision-Making

What Type of Decision-Making Method Should You Use?

Finish Clearly, Transition From Decision to Action

Chapter 9: Communication in the Workplace

Communication Styles

Assertive

Submissive

Aggressive

Passive-Aggressive

Manipulative

Why Is Communication Important in the Workplace?

Lessening Conflict

Employee Engagement

Client Relationships

Productivity and Talent

Leadership Communication Tips

Build Trust

Personalize It

Specificity

Shift Your Focus

Keep an Open Mind

Learn to Listen

Read Between the Lines

Know What You’re Talking About

Individualize Groups

Explain Why

Request Feedback

Communication Methods

Giving Feedback

Use Compliments Wisely

Mastering Constructive Feedback

Receiving Constructive Feedback

Giving Constructive feedback

Tips for Giving Constructive Feedback

Chapter 10: Meetings and Communication

Reading the Room

Tips for Reading the Room

Tips for Communication in Meetings

Managing a Meeting

Prior to the Meeting

While the Meeting is Taking Place

When the Meeting Ends

Chapter 11: Presentations and Public Speaking

Why Are Public Speaking Skills Important?

Advancing Your Career

Improved Communication Skills

Confidence Boost

Social and Professional Connections

Leadership Skills

Thinking Critically

Impromptu Conversations

Vocabulary and Fluency

The Ability to Debate

Public Speaking Preparation

Know the Topic

Speech Structure

Practice

Dress for Success

Know Your Audience

Public Speaking Skills

Tips for Q&A

Conclusion

References

Introduction

Do you really mean what you say and say what you mean or do you only think that you do?

Communication permeates every aspect of our lives and is a vital part of our interactions with one another. Many people think that they are communicating effectively, but how well are they really getting their message across to others? You are saying what you think are the right words, but you’re not stopping to really think about what they mean. You are speaking those words, but what is your body language telling others?

Have you ever had a conversation with someone where you were convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt that you were saying exactly what you meant, but the other person didn’t seem to understand? You may have tried repeating yourself over and over, but something always seemed to stand in the way of your getting your message across effectively, so that the other person understood completely. Perhaps you told an employee to do something and they did it, but they didn’t do it quite right, despite your having explained it perfectly. Or did you?

Do you know that every single person is always communicating? Yes, every moment of the day, you are telling something to others. All the employees in the office are constantly communicating with you, even if you don’t realize it. All the people that you pass on the street are telling you something about themselves, even if they don’t stop to speak with you. You may think that communication starts and ends with what we say to each other, but that isn’t the case at all.

Communication isn’t just what you say, it’s how you say it, it’s how you are feeling at that moment, and it’s what your body language is telling others. Communication is about speaking and listening, it’s about observing others, and not just focusing on yourself. A good communicator is someone who not only understands the principles of communicating effectively using various forms of communication, but they also have an acute awareness of themself and the world around them and how that impacts their communication with others. They have honed their communication skills and are able to control conversations to achieve a positive outcome more often than not.

In this book, we will break communication down into its fundamentals and teach you how to improve each aspect of how you communicate with others and how you perceive their communication with you.

What’s in store for you?

●  Learn what communication really is.

●  Verbal and non-verbal communication and how to get it right.

●  Tips and exercises to improve your communication skills.

●  Crucial communications and how to handle them.

●  Discover various communication styles and how they affect interactions.

●  Learn how to be more charismatic and persuasive and how to negotiate effectively.

●  Learn how to masterfully communicate in meetings.

●  Find out what it means to read the room and how to do it.

●  Perfect your public speaking skills for better presentations.

Communication is a highly complex subject, but because it is so vital for successful interpersonal relationships, you cannot afford to neglect learning the nuances of it. Overlooking and not developing your communication skills to become a good communicator can only do you more harm than good. Being able to communicate effectively will help you to get ahead in life, in the office, and out of it. It will help you to manage crucial communication without blundering through it, potentially resulting in negative consequences. What is crucial communication? Keep reading and we will tell you everything that you need to know!

Chapter 1: What is Communication?

Before we can begin to work on developing our communication skills, we need to understand what communication is, how it works, and the principles behind it. Developing any skill requires us to understand why we are adopting certain changes. When we understand why we are doing what we are doing, the lesson sticks and we aren’t just going through the motions, so to speak. We also have the ability to adapt to unexpected changes in a wide variety of situations because having that understanding allows us to think on our feet.

Communication, by the simplest definition of the word, is a transfer of information between two points. Those two points could be two places, people, or even two groups. There are three parts to every communication; a sender, the information or message itself, and a recipient. This may all seem very simple and like a ‘no-brainer,’ but communication is actually a very complex subject and takes a variety of forms and components into account.

When transferring information from point A to point B, there are a great many things that can affect that transmission. Some of the things that could either aid or hamper the effective transmission of a message include culture, emotion, the method of communication, potential language barriers, and sometimes even our physical location. Mastering crucial communication skills is invaluable and incredibly important due to the complexity of communication. You can either get it very right or very wrong, and that could impact not only your interpersonal relationships, but your opportunity for career advancement as well.

Types of Communication

THERE ARE FOUR TYPES or methods of communication. Even when you think that you are only using one type of communication, you may, in fact, be using two or even three. Let’s say you are talking with a colleague, face-to-face. During this