How to Strengthen Workplace Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

🎵 I was at a loud and noisy bar with a friend the other night. We were “talking,” but honestly I probably only caught about half of what he was saying. I realized I was still giving him cues that I was catching it all. I was mirroring his facial expressions. I laughed when he laughed. Of course, he was talking away knowing exactly what he was saying, and he probably thought I was catching it all. It made me think that the “noise” in our workplaces isn’t necessarily all that different from the bar—emails pinging, meetings overlapping, deadlines looming. We face similar challenges when trying to get our message to cut through the noise. And maybe we can also be easily deluded into thinking our communications are clearly understood when they’re not. I wonder if a good thought exercise might be to imagine how we would deliver our workplace communications in a loud bar? How would we stand out amidst the chaos? 1. Speak with Purpose: In a noisy bar, you lean in and speak clearly. At work, trim the fluff. Get straight to the point. Every word counts when attention is limited. 2. Use Visual Cues: Just like a bartender spots a raised hand, visuals can make your message pop. Think compelling graphics or easy-to-read charts to catch attention. 3. Know Your Timing: Ordering when the bartender’s slammed? Not ideal. The same applies to sending crucial emails. Timing is key—hit send when your message will be seen. 4. Personalize Your Approach: In a bar, a tap on the shoulder gets noticed. At work, personalize your messages. Use names, reference past interactions, and make it relevant. Ensure the “why it matters” is crystal clear. 5. Repetition is Your Friend: Don’t wait for requests to repeat your message. Do it proactively! Share key points multiple times and in various formats to reinforce your message. 🔑 Bottom Line: Whether in a loud bar or a hectic workplace, clarity, timing, and consistency are your best allies. Cut through the noise and make sure your message stands out. 💬 How do you ensure your voice rises above the noise at work? Share your tips below! 👉 Let’s keep the conversation going—follow Mistere Advisory on LinkedIn for more insights! #WorkplaceCommunication #Leadership #Productivity #CareerTips #ProfessionalGrowth

If you want to be a world-class leader, you need to be a world-class listener. 5 tips to be a better listener: — Active listening is the fastest way you can make all your employees feel heard. When someone feels heard, they’re empowered to: - Trust more - Perform better - Communicate openly We know most founders (guilty here) talk WAY more than we listen. We’re used to giving directions, selling, raising funds, coaching, etc. But that creates a professional divergence on what we actually need to focus on. Now let’s get to the good stuff… — 1. Avoid interrupting Interrupting makes people feel undervalued and can disrupt their train of thought. Let the other person finish their points before you jump in and tell them what you think. Don’t listen just to see what to answer ;) — 2. Ask open-ended questions This encourages people to share more information and express their thoughts and feelings more deeply. 3 questions that are guaranteed to make people open up: “What makes you say that?” “Can you tell me more about that?” “What would YOU do in my situation?” We tend to bias people asking closed q’s like: “would you do A or B”? — 3. Pay full attention There’s no greater way to show someone respect than this. Keep eye contact, remove distractions, and nod & smile when appropriate. And whatever you do, DON’T check your emails or messages. I did it so many times 10 years ago. I hated that burnt-out version of myself. — 4. Listen with your eyes Think active listening is all ears? UCLA research shows that 70-90% of communication is NON-verbal. Body language is crucial in how we convey and interpret messages. Look out for: - Hand gestures - Facial expressions - Posture (closed or open arms/shoulders) Subtly emulate these to build trust. — 5. Relay what you heard This helps make sure you have understood the other person correctly. Repeat back what they said in your own words. “So what you’re saying is…” They’ll correct you if you’re wrong. They’ll feel understood if you’re precise. — As you can see it doesn’t take much extra effort to be engaged and empower others through active listening. The real effort comes for us to shut down the “Problem-Solving Mind” and ACTUALLY listen, without thinking of what to answer. Start implementing this with your team and watch how much their morale is boosted. Got value out of this? Repost ♻️ to share to your network and follow Ignacio Carcavallo for more like this!

SEAL training isn’t just about physical toughness (though there is plenty of that). One thing that makes SEALs elite operators is their mastery of communication under extreme pressure. The same is true in life and at work. Interestingly, your effectiveness as a leader and team member depends less on what you say and more on how you say it. Psychologist Albert Mehrabian found that when emotions are involved (which is in every important conversation), 93% of communication is nonverbal. It’s 55% body language and 38% tone. Words account for just 7%. Former Navy SEAL Alden Mills breaks down the principles of effective communication into a memorable acronym, S.E.A.L.S. These practices apply to every conversation where trust and influence matter. 🔹 S: Stand Tall Your posture speaks before you say a word. Confidence and presence start with how you carry yourself. 🔹 E: Eye Contact Your eyes reveal focus, credibility, and connection. Use them intentionally to earn trust. 🔹 A: Arms Open Open gestures invite open conversation. Closed arms shut down dialogue before it starts. 🔹 L: Lean In Leaning in shows people you are interested and value their words. It’s surprisingly powerful. 🔹 S: Salute This is a figurative salute. Giving recognition and respect fuels morale and collaboration. By applying these five principles, you inspire trust, collaboration, and higher performance. 👥 Here’s a pro tip: Don’t practice alone. Like SEALs, find a “swim buddy” who can give you honest feedback on how your communication really lands. I can personally attest to the power of this. Swim buddies (I like to call them “loving critics”) have made an outsized difference in my growth. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gj-MiSjD What technique do you use to supercharge your communication? Share in the comments.

WHEN TEMPERS FLARE, YOU'RE LOCKED IN A STALEMATE, OR A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR DEAL IS ON THE LINE, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO TURNING IT AROUND. The right communication framework fosters understanding, strengthens relationships, and drives powerful results within your team. Both personally and professionally, effective communication is key to successful teamwork, conflict resolution, and collaboration. From construction to finance, from fashion to family offices, my high performance clients master the skills to navigate the toughest conversations and transform them into their biggest breakthroughs. And here’s how you can do it too: 1. FRAME THE POSITIVE INTENTION: Start with shared goals. Establish a shared purpose to align your conversation positively and maintain the focus on optimal outcomes. ➡️”We both want [a positive, uplifting relationship].” “This is about us being [happier, more productive].” A positive start encourages cooperation and a safe space for communication. 2. DESCRIBE THE OBSERVABLE: Present facts without emotional interpretation. Focus on specific events or behaviors rather than feelings. ➡️ “When [specific event] happened, I saw [specific observation].” Stick to observable facts and avoid personal interpretations to keep the conversation neutral. 3. SHARE THE FEELING: Express your emotions without blame. Own your feelings without blaming others, and invite the other person to share theirs. ➡️“We both feel [emotion].” “I feel [emotion] about [situation].” Take ownership of your feelings. Express them without pointing fingers and encourage others to do the same. 4. REQUEST THEIR PERSPECTIVE: Invite input and collaboration. Ask for the other person’s perspective to gain insight into their viewpoint. ➡️“How did you see that?” “What did you observe?” Listen actively and be open to hearing the other person’s thoughts, fostering mutual understanding. 5. MAKE THE ASK WITH BENEFIT EXTENSIONS Propose mutually beneficial solutions: Offer choices that meet both parties' needs. ➡️ “If [action] occurs, we would feel [emotion] and [emotion].” “Here are two options that work for me…” Present two acceptable options to empower the other person to contribute to the solution. 6. WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD A CONSENSUS Collaborate on finding the best solution: Work together to determine the best course of action and express appreciation when a decision is made. ➡️ “I appreciate the thought you’ve put into this. I’m glad we agreed on [decision].” By applying my effective communication framework, you foster open, respectful communication that builds trust, enhances collaboration, and contributes to team success. And the great news is that you can use this both personally and professionally! I’m curious… ~When was a time that you needed this framework in your life? #future #communication #success