Talk Talk

When it comes right down to it, I talk for a living. Sometimes I talk as a coach. Other times I talk as a trainer. Yet other times as a consultant. Regardless of the role in which I'm talking, I talk for a living.

We all have objectives when we talk, when we communicate. In other words, we want The Other to do something, feel something, experience something. Depending on the given circumstances leading to or surrounding the talk, some of my objectives are often to build confidence, to create connection, to identify patterns, to question processes, to instill calm.

Regardless of our objectives, the most important part of talking is listening. Of course as a listener you are part of the communication cycle; therefore, you have objectives when you listen too. I listen to understand, to interpret, to reframe, to rephrase, to respect, all so the teams I have the good fortune to work with are able to learn, grow, and get better. Okay...and to laugh and enjoy the process too.

Many of us talk for a living or at least for some part of our living. Know both your talking and listening objectives before, during, and after exchanges so you can use them to benefit everyone involved in an exchange whatever form the exchange may take.