This book provides practical tools to converse effectively and efficiently in five common workplace situations: 1) One-on-one conversations; 2) Meetings; 3) Digital conferences; 4) Presentations; 5) Socials. Beyond the first read, the example-rich chapters provide quick reference on a continuing basis.
First, the book introduces a framework or GAME plan (G: Goal; A: Audience; M: Message; E: Expected Outcomes) that is used to unpack each of the five situations. Specific tools are introduced and applied for structuring messages, depending on the goal, audience, and expected outcomes. Rich examples are used to illustrate how to apply the tools and explicitly phrase messages for effective and efficient conversations. A case study is introduced in the beginning and builds throughout the book to personify and depict how the tools are practiced.
The authors combine their diverse business and communication experiences to bring you a book that is essential to your career success.
Chapter 1: Introduction and Case Study
COMMUNICATION
ENERGY LEVEL
1. Decide to Stand Out
2. Get to the Point
3. Take Control of Your Energy Level
YOUR BOOK. YOUR GAME PLAN.
THE CASE
EXPLORELOCAL
Overview
Value Proposition
Organizational Chart
Character Profiles
The Issue
One Week in the Life of ExploreLocal
REFERENCES
Chapter 2: GAME Framework and Tools
G: GOALS IN CONVERSATIONS
A: AUDIENCE IN CONVERSATIONS
Demographics
Masculine/Feminine Verbal Communication Styles
Culture
Introvert vs. Extrovert
Speaker Credibility
Organizational Role
Motivation and Interest
Decision-Making Styles
Conflict Handling Styles
Communicating with Difficult People
M: MESSAGES IN CONVERSATIONS
Word Choice
Nonverbal Language
Low Context vs. High Context
Communication Channels
E: END RESULT IN CONVERSATIONS
NOTES
REFERENCES
Chapter 3: One-on-One Conversations
IMPORTANCE OF ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS
TYPES OF ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS
Informal Conversations
General Rules for Informal Conversations
Formal Conversations
General Rules for Formal Conversations
Crucial Conversations
General Rules for Crucial Conversations
PREPARATION FOR ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS
Reflection Questions
Direct Questions
ANSWERING QUESTIONS/GIVING FEEDBACK
ASA model
Signposting
General Rules for Answering Questions
EXPLORELOCAL
Chapter 4: Meetings
BEST PLAYS FOR MEETING LEADERS
Before Meeting
During the Meeting
After Meeting
BEST PLAYS FOR MEETING PARTICIPANTS
Before Meeting
During Meeting
Asking Questions
Summarizing
After Meeting
EXPLORELOCAL
NOTES
REFERENCES
Chapter 5: Virtual Sessions
BEING READY VIRTUALLY—THE 3 VITAL V’S
Visual Difference
Voice Projection
Vital Messaging
HOSTING A VIRTUAL SESSION
VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES
What are virtual activities?
Why is it important to consider doing virtual activities?
Should virtual activities be fun?
Examples of Virtual Activities
EXPLORELOCAL
Chapter 6: Presentations
GOAL(S) OF THE PRESENTATION
AUDIENCE
What Do I Need to Know About My Audience?
Audience Recap
MESSAGE
Organizing Your Message
INTRODUCTIONS
Introduction Methods and Strategies (not necessarily in this order)
Tips for Preparing Introductions
CONCLUSIONS AND TRANSITIONS
Conclusions
Transitions
Supporting Your Message
Presenting the Content of Your Message
VISUAL AIDS
TIPS FOR USING POWERPOINT
Delivering Your Message
Practicing Your Speech
EFFECTIVE VOCAL (AUDITORY) DELIVERY
EFFECTIVE NONVERBAL DELIVERY
DELIVERING YOUR SPEECH
SOME HINTS FOR MANAGING STAGE FRIGHT
END RESULT
EXPLORELOCAL
NOTE
REFERENCES
Chapter 7: Socials
WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT?
COMPANY SOCIALS: KNOWING AND SHOWING THE DIFFERENCE
Types of Company Socials
7 DIFFERENT SOCIAL EVENTS
1. Celebratory Events
2. Family Days
3. Kick-Off Meetings
4. Networking Events
5. Holiday Parties
6. Seminars, Training, and Conferences
7. Board Meetings and Shareholder Meetings
BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER SOCIALS
Before: Reflection Questions
Before: Research Management
Before: An Interesting Introduction
During: Working the Room, Table, or Group
During: How to Start a Conversation
After: Writing a Note
After: Connecting via LinkedIn
GENERAL RULES FOR SOCIALS: DO’S AND DON’TS
EXPLORELOCAL
REFERENCES
