Taking the time to reflect and learn … and reminding myself how best to communicate
Cratus recently offered to send me on a residential training course in Edinburgh, investing in skills that will serve both me and Cratus in the future. I was able to leave the day-to-day project work in the capable hands of my team and take a step back to reflect on what it means to communicate and to engage, both with my team and with the communities we work in.
At the PRCA Leadership Academy, we had a chance to learn from those at the top of the communications field. We heard from successful business owners, consultancy and in-house comms professionals, a TED talk speaker and BBC presenter. They all gave unique angles on strong leadership, from how to give more effective feedback to how to stay calm in a crisis.
It gave me a confidence boost and reminded me of the building blocks of good communication. Reassuringly, many I instinctively do already, but there is of course always room to improve. I enjoyed learning the theories and really analysing the logic behind the daily decisions we make, with some great practical frameworks to follow.
I was reminded of why it’s important to re-read your work with the audience in mind: it’s not about me, and I must think what they want to get out of the discussion, and how soon will they switch off. Once again, I was reminded to continue reflecting and taking time out of the day-to-day rush, to take a long-term strategic look at my communications, what do I want them to achieve in six months or a year.
When asked what made up ‘natural public speakers’, I suggested 80% natural talent, 20% learned skill, and was promptly told it’s the other way around. Even in this room of confident professional industry leaders, everyone still experienced nerves before difficult conversations. The secret is preparation. To make it look easy, Steve Jobs would practice his famous speeches umpteen times beforehand.
I’ve added new tools to my engagement toolkit, from helpful mantras (the audience is king, the power of the pause, pan for golden nuggets) to practical advice on presenting (keep both feet flat on the floor, and keep your hands away from the computer screen).
I am glad to have had the chance to continue my professional development and will remember to keep taking the time to prepare and reflect so I can bring the best community engagement work possible forward.
