Kare Anderson

After hearing her speak at the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Conference in New Orleans last year, Network PR introduced Kare Anderson, author, publisher, former journalist and Emmy-winning TV commentator, to our clients and friends in a series of seminars.

The sessions ‘Moving from Me to We’ and ‘Communicating to Connect’ explored the connections we all have in our everyday lives, both personally and professionally. Kare offered insights and advice into how we can all become better communicators. In this fast-moving world, where direct, face-to-face interaction is becoming increasingly rare, it is all too easy to lose the art of communication amongst the throng of emails, txts, instant messaging and social networking sites.

Kare challenged old habits and demonstrated the need to recognise the negative traits in the way we interact with our peers, colleagues, families and friends. In a business environment, communicating effectively with stakeholders is integral to a successful organisation.

• Good communicators; are they born or bred?

While some people have the natural ability to consistently communicate effectively, regardless of their situation, surroundings or circumstances, there are new approaches we can all adopt. Take time to understand the messages we wish to convey and actually listen to the responses from those we are interacting with.

• Practice good communications.

Put conscious thinking into how we are communicating and interacting with others - and do so regularly - rather than allow ourselves to overlook the exchanges taking place. Communication style should be as important a consideration in terms of presenting oneself as appearance or attire.

• Communicating is more than just talking.

Think about body language, listening skills and outward appearance during conversations. Kare states in her e-book, ‘LikeAbility’, “Shut people out and they shut up. Bring people in and they open up.” This may be obvious, but is something that is easily forgotten when we feel we have a message to express.

• Learn from others’ attributes.

Take time to watch how others communicate and take note of success and failings. In ‘LikeAbility’, Kare observes that humans are naturally imitative creatures and have a tendency to “lapse into what is familiar”. Be inspired to improve your behaviour by emulating positive traits from others.

• Recognise the value of unlikely allies.

Thinking you have nothing in common with someone often leads to poor communication. Disinterest shows and allows us to ignore responses. Effective communication between even the unlikeliest of pairings can often lead to opportunities that would otherwise have been missed.

• Remember mutual opportunities.

Communication is a two-way street. Whilst your message is clearly important, it is wise to keep in mind what another person can offer you or vice versa.

• Smart business people are effective communicators.

Successful operations don’t usually happen without hard work and effort. However, effective communication can make achieving that success an easier process. Openness, empathy and understanding have a warming effect on an audience.

• Effective communication is not about manipulating conversations to your way of thinking.

Listen to those you are interacting with and take what you can from their views and experiences. Build upon your own opinions with their understanding. People are far more receptive to ideas when they feel their own thoughts are being considered.