The 5 C’S for Engagement when Communicating

Engagement is key. Whether when leading meetings, when public speaking or simply when sharing an idea – engagement is pivotal. Without it, there is no buy-in, no dialogue, no creativity, no innovation. You miss out, your audience loses out, the team loses out, the organisation loses out. When it comes to engaging your audience or listener, there are many techniques, models and recommendations. But ultimately, it all boils down to 5 critical abilities: the ability to show confidence, to be clear and concise, to connect, and to compel.

Confidence | Clarity | Concision | Compelling | Connection

Confidence

To have authority in a conversation, negotiation, management setting or in a room, we must have confidence. Confidence and authority go hand in hand. But why is that the case? In simple terms, the more confident you appear to your audience, the more competent and credible they will perceive you to be. How, then can you develop your self-confidence? There are no short-cuts, unfortunately, it’s all about preparation, repetition and experience. For non- native English speakers, maximising contact with English is key, as is actively using the language as frequently as possible.

Clarity

I think this one speaks for itself. If you’re point is not clear, how can someone understand it? If your argument is not clear, how can it convince your listener? To be clear in your communication, you must be clear with yourself; do you know the point you want to make? Do you know the objective of your communication? Next, how will you structure what you intend to say? Clarity is critical.

Concision

Ah to be concise. I will be open here – this is a point I’m constantly working on myself. Concision doesn’t come naturally. But to engage a listener, rambling won’t help. Know what you want to say, and get to the point.

Compelling

Linked to clarity and concision is compulsion. If you want to influence, persuade, be an authority or have impact when you speak, you need to make compelling points or arguments. Make eye contact, use stories, share a personal example, use facial expressions and body language, use analogies and metaphors to paint pictures with your words, use pausing and intonation, ask questions. If you want to engage and compel your listener, avoid self-indulgent monologues and include them in your narrative.

Connection

Last, but by no means least, connection – the most powerful communication tool of all. Psychologically speaking, connection neurologically “disarms” the other person, allowing them to feel greater trust in you. Research also shows that connection increases psychological wellbeing. According to PsychologyToday, connection generates a positive feedback loop of social, emotional and physical well-being. Imagine the power of making our listeners feel happy, content and well? Imagine the power of making our audience feel included, connected, considered? In order to connect, don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes, perhaps personal struggles where appropriate and make use of transparency. People connect when they fee valued.

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If increasing your impact and influence is high on your agenda, why not try focusing on these 5 pillars as you communicate?

One thing is for sure, if you always do, as you have always done, you will get the same results.

If you want new results, you have to try something new.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.