A CEO is under a lot of pressure to guarantee the organisation performs and is operating at the best of its ability, especially in the competitive world of business. In addition to the pressure of communicating effectively in a variety of face to face situations, CEOs are now faced with new challenges such as communicating over email and via social media channels. As a CEO you really need to nail your communication style! Writing for the C Suite Simon de Cintra reveals his recommended tips for CEO communication.
1. Failing to engage your voice
When we feel our message is not being heard or acted upon, we have the tendency to raise our voice by pushing and straining. I am often asked by my clients, many of whom are business leaders, for advice on how to project their voice better, both in smaller board meetings and in larger public speaking situations. Your body is built for resonance, and if you allow your sound to build in your natural hollows, you voice will carry easily, without stress or strain. It’s important to remember that volume and vocal quality are not the same thing; volume can easily be increased with amplification, while the quality of your voice cannot. Engaging the natural rhythm and volume of your voice will help you to sound in control, confident and authoritative.
2. Ignoring your body language
Non verbal communication is just as important as verbal communication but yet it is often forgotten about especially in public speaking situations. When we feel uncomfortable, nervous, or uncertain, this generally comes across unconsciously in our body language. From crossed arms to fidgeting, avoiding eye contact to blank facial expressions, to over-theatrical movements, if your non-verbal signals do not match the words and sentiments coming out of your mouth, you are unlikely to win your audience over on authenticity! Effective communication is about making sure all your verbal and non-verbal signals are perfectly aligned, so it is important that you understand exactly how you come across before that crucial meeting or presentation. Recording yourself presenting and watching back can help you identify any rogue nuances that could impact your delivery success.
Read more on communication tips for CEOs on the C Suite!