I had one goal when I designed my communications training. To pass on everything I learned in 20 years at Sky that I wished I had known when I started.
I wanted to run the workshop that I would have learned so much from when I was a Sky News graduate trainee. The skills that would have elevated my chances at doing well. Gave me confidence. Knowing I was doing the right thing. And not being afraid to use communication to be successful.
I wanted the one-day workshop it to be a space for discussions, ethical dilemmas, masterclasses, Q&A and practical exercises. It had to be different than other training and most of all something that made an immediate impact. I did not want to overdo the PowerPoint slides so I have fewer than a dozen.
A lot of training I did was great in the moment but was forgotten about quickly afterwards. I make sure there is plenty of time for reflection and discussion to make sure the training allows us to make changes in day- to-day communication. Just a few simple objectives make a big difference.
The key thing is to view communication in a different way. To see it from different perspectives. To understand its aim and also to have empathy for those receiving the communication. Communicating alone is not enough. What is the impact and result of the communication? And did it achieve the desired result?
To use a football analogy a manager deciding on a substitution cannot rely on just communicating that decision to the player and referee. The communication involves letting the player and officials know, giving information on the impact the player will have, where they will play, and the impact on the rest of the team. And the player should know what is the key strategy behind that decision so he/she can make sure the rest of the players know too. Much of that is verbal but some of it is more easily done with hand gestures and pointing. Next time you watch a match keep an eye out for those substitutions!
I often say during the training ‘we all communicate every day, if you can learn something new then you can use it straight way and see if it makes a difference. If I can help improve someone’s communication skills by a few per cent then the individual and their business benefits. It helps the employee experience, employee engagement, and relations between departments.
In truth the way you communicate is a work of art that you develop throughout your career. It depends on your role, and the key messages you need to deliver. And you will learn lots from great communicators and also from those who are not as good too.
For my one day training I use expertise to help you. A Sky reporter or presenter gives a one hour masterclass on communicating under pressure, why communications in the workplace is so important and how to tackle your nerves and cope with the unexpected. And there is a chance for a Q & A to get deeper into the challenges of communicating with different audiences every day. Book a free 30-minute chat to discuss what works best for you.
My one-day training is accredited with the CPD so you know a recognised organisation has seen the value of it and advised on making it even better.
For training with individuals who only want a few hours help, we develop a bespoke programme selecting the most important parts of communications training that will help with you. Whether that is public speaking, participating in work discussions, communicating to get a cup of coffee with the CEO, or making sure your message is received and understood.
Why does it matter? Because better communication leads to:
🌟 Lower staff turnover
🌟 Fewer costly mistakes
🌟 More confident, capable leaders
🌟 Higher engagement and productivity
Knowing when to speak, how to deliver a message, and what really matters to the audience are just some important factors. The leaders at Sky were generally all great communicators. And the employees who
learned the value of great communication often progressed far.
Sometimes not communicating well I would learn harsh lessons in real time. Not being clear to a reporter about what’s expected, or just delaying the message and not showing empathy, taking too long to relay
important news, or assuming someone else had communicated a message which turned out to be wrong.
That experience now inspires my work as a communication trainer. Use your voice, showing empathy, making communication your soft power and communicating with impact are very powerful.
Great communication isn’t about who talks the most. It’s about how you deliver the message and the way others understand it and respond.
A little more about me? I’m a Tottenham fan (don’t hold it against me), coffee enthusiast, and occasional Asian wedding toastmaster which keeps my public speaking skills sharp!
Let’s talk about how communication can help you or your team. [email protected]
tejaskotecha.com Yours in communication, Tejas