A DYING ART

There is no doubt that the art of communication has changed (quite drastically) over the last century. From telegrams to telephones, to emails, text messages, and video chat, the means of communicating look very different than they did a hundred years ago (or more).

Continuous developments in technology have made the process of communication faster, easier, and more convenient than ever. It is awesome that I can “attend” a meeting in Utah when I am in Oregon or “meet” with clients in England or Canada who enroll in my coaching program. Would I prefer to travel and meet people face to face? Absolutely! But I love that I can meet people virtually when in-person meetings are not feasible or cost effective!

However, all this virtual connection, for all it has brought to the table, has also caused us to forget how to connect and communicate in person. Don’t believe me? The next time you find yourself in a restaurant, look around the dining area and see how many people are at their tables staring at their phones instead of engaging with the people they are with. Or think about the last time someone close to you had a birthday. Did you call them directly or send a handwritten card? Or did you simply text them or give them a shoutout on social media?

I am not saying that using technology to reach out to people is bad. In fact, I love using technology to connect with others. It is very helpful and beneficial when used properly and has provided a way for businesses, large and small, to reach global audiences and serve more people. However, we have become so reliant on technology that many people are forgetting (or maybe never learning) how to genuinely connect with people face to face.

While technology has certainly taken the reigns of most of our communication processes, human to human communication is still relevant and important. Today, I am going to share with you a few small changes you can make to your communication process to ensure you are capitalizing on all the amazing benefits that technology can add to your communication toolbox while also using your innate human ability to connect with people on a more meaningful level!

(Sidebar: It is not lost on me that I am sharing this article with you all via the internet, email, social media, and YouTube…)

Let’s dive in!

1. Attend meetings and networking events in person whenever possible. Being visible is an important part of the communication process. If no one can see you, they won’t know about you. Meeting someone on video chat can be convenient but chances are good you will have distractions and as soon as that meeting is over, your brain moves on to the next thing on your to-do list. When you meet people in person, your mindset shifts. The encounter becomes more of a priority in your mind, and you will get more out of it.

It's like working out at home versus at the gym. I love my exercise time. But if I try to exercise at home, it is HARD. Why? Because there are a hundred other things I can do at home. I can watch TV, take a nap, eat a snack, avoid the important grown-up chores that need to be done, build a puzzle, bake a cake, basically anything EXCEPT exercise. But, if I go to the gym, there is only 1 reason to be there: to exercise. My mind shifts its focus to the task at hand – the workout, and all other things take a back seat. The same is true for attending meetings and events in person! You will remember the details of the event and the people you meet much more vividly when you attend in person. Dress up, show up, and meet up with as many people as you can! Not only will you be impacted on a deeper level, those you meet will form a more meaningful connection with you!

2. Put your phone down and your eyes up. I am the first to admit that I spend way too much time staring at my phone. I’m sure many of you can relate. Smart phones have become a critical element of our daily lives and it can be hard to detach from them when they put the world at our fingertips. However, constant connection to our phones means less time to connect with people. If you want people to know that you care about them, are engaged in what they are saying and doing, and that you prioritize genuine connection over electronic connection, your relationships will be stronger, your communication more effective, and your impact much greater! Put your phone down and your eyes up, you might just see something you never expected!

3. Write instead of type when possible and feasible. Everything is typed these days. It might take you a few extra minutes but when you are able, use your hand to write your words instead of typing. I recently received a thank you card from a client. It was hand-written and meant so much to me because she took the time to think about her words and connect with them via the pen to the paper. It might seem trivial but the simple act of handwriting a personal note instead of sending a typed one can make someone’s day and can really show that individual that you value your connection with them. This is a great way to elevate your customer’s experience if you are service-based business owner! Send your clients a handwritten thank you note when they enroll in your services or complete a transaction with you. It will make an impact and they will remember not only that you took the time to send them that note, but also how you made them feel like a valued client!

I hope you find these small changes easy to implement. If you are looking to make deeper, more impactful connections with those you serve and care about, these changes will help get you there! Prioritizing in-person connection will help ensure that the art of communication lives on!

Thanks for stopping by! Want to learn more about the art of impactful communication? Book a call or reach out to me on social media! I would love to meet with you in person if you are local to my area! And if not, we can schedule a virtual get-to-know-you session (cameras on and distractions off of course 😉)!

I currently have openings for new coaching clients and would love to help you use what you are already doing to build stronger connections and impact more people! Head on over to my resources page now! I can’t wait to connect with you!

I hope to see you soon!

Ciao for now!